Robotic arms, automation, sensors, and artificial intelligence? No, we’re not talking about the evolving technological development, but the “productive” coffee shops in Singapore and how industrial robotics have changed the game.
The issue around robotic revolution and replacing human jobs had been a buzz in the previous decade. However, a lot of establishments, including hotels and restaurants, continue to deploy robots and smart kiosks to simplify work-related processes.
If you’re one of those coffee lovers who consume multiple cups in a day, here are some smart coffee shops in Singapore you absolutely need to visit.
Happy Hawkers by Koufu
The term “Koufu” pertains to a Chinese belief that “it is one’s good fortune to feast on good food.” Happy Hawkers is a smart coffee shop in Singapore that opened in 2016, offering seamless dining for everyone as it features smart and innovative technologies including the self-ordering kiosk, Smart Tray Return Robot, and the Koufu-Beat the Q app. These hi-tech devices are designed to improve the dining experience of patrons from ordering, waiting time for tables, and minimising long queues.
Adopting the modern technology meshed with Singapore’s age-old tradition of kopitiam (coffee shop culture) is their way to show commitment to “koufu”.
We recommend you to try their freshly brewed Nanyang coffee, Kaya butter buns, and Hainan coffee.
Location: 1 Woodlands Height, #07-01, Singapore
Ella, The Robot Barista
Created by Crown Digital, Ella, The Robot Barista is a smart coffee shop in Singapore that uses data, artificial intelligence, and robotics to function. It can serve up to 200 cups per hour and brew more than 300 coffee combinations. What makes Ella smarter is that it can remember your favourite coffee flavour.
Coffee lovers can order and customise their drinks in advance to avoid queuing through the Ella app or simply scanning the QR code upon arrival at the coffee shop.
Each cup of coffee is made from premium coffee beans roasted in Rome that gives a rich Italian taste of espresso with a chocolatey note.
Ella is committed to providing consistency, fuss-free, and serving an extraordinarily delicious cup of joe.
Their signature menu of premium Buscaglione Coffee includes flat white, latte, cappuccino, double espresso, Americano, matcha latte, babycino, and more. The robot barista is open from 8 AM to 9 PM every Sunday to Thursday and 8 AM to 10 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Location: CT Hub 2, 114 Lavender Street, #01-25, Singapore
Ratio Café & Lounge
Another revolutionary and smart coffee shop in Singapore is the Ratio Cafe and Lounge that just opened in 2020.. With the power of “innovative technology and exquisite creation,” this café and lounge creates the perfect ratio of your desired aromatic coffee, cocktail, or any traditional drink available.
In an interview with Mashable, café owner Gavin Pathross said that robots and AI won’t replace their human baristas, instead, they will only execute orders from their human employees to lessen repetitive work.
Featuring the base, flavour, mixer, bitters, and ice options, the shop's menu presents precise craftsmanship among its beverages. This includes coffee negroni, Italian summer breeze, spicy watermelon coolers, Boulevardier, tamarind mango, and a lot more. View their complete selection of beverages here.
Location: 176 Orchard Road, #05-06 Centrepoint, Singapore
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