Chinese Robot Baristas Cheaper Than Labor Costs In New Zealand – CoffeeTalk

New Zealand’s coffee culture is undergoing a transformation with the introduction of Chinese robot baristas, known as COFE+, who serve quick, quality coffee for local customers. Marie Fan opened a COFE+ robot cafe at the Queen’s Food Court in downtown Auckland in January, using technologies from Shanghai Hi-Dolphin Robot Technology. The robot barista uses coffee beans favored by locals, such as 1960s Vintage and Ken’s Choice, and sells around 100 cups of coffee daily, each taking just 60 seconds to prepare. Fan opened a second location in Newmarket recently.

The cafe targets a different customer group compared to traditional coffee shops, focusing on customers who prioritize a balance between speed and quality. The efficiency of the robotic service is perfect for places like train stations, airports, and office buildings where people don’t have much time to queue for a drink. Michael Zhang, 46, believes that while robots are unlikely to replace human baristas entirely in the near future, businesses may increasingly adopt them to reduce costs. As robotic technology advances, robots have been used in various fields in New Zealand, including hotels and restaurants, handling tasks such as luggage delivery and meal service.

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