A collaborative robot – or ‘cobot’ – capable of crafting cappuccinos, flat whites and lattes has been introduced at the University of Strathclyde. The pioneering project links the University’s Catering team, the Robotics & Autonomous Systems Research Group, and local coffee partners Matthew Algie.
Researched, designed and tested on campus by PhD students in the Department of Design, Manufacturing and Engineering Management (DMEM), the cobot is believed to be the first used commercially in this way on a Scottish university campus. Working alongside the catering team, the robot barista emulates human movements to create consistently high-quality coffee.
The project was inspired after Strathclyde’s catering management team spotted a robotic barista in operation during a study tour to Stanford University with professional catering body TUCO. Seeing the potential, they returned with the idea of collaborating with colleagues and students to create their own system to enhance customer service and support staff wellbeing. The cobot now operates in the University’s Technology and Innovation Centre.
Joanne Martin, Deputy Head of Catering and Hospitality at Strathclyde, said: “The cobot has been designed to work alongside our fantastic team members, supporting rather than replacing them, and helping to improve all round service and operational efficiency.
“Our staff fully embrace this innovative technology, recognising the benefits it brings to their physical wellbeing by reducing repetitive, physically demanding tasks, while allowing them to focus on delivering excellent customer service.”
With support from Systems Engineering Management Manager Sarah Buchanan, Professor Jörn Mehnen and Senior Lecturer Dr Erfu Yang from the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Group in DMEM supervised PhD researchers Mohamed Adlan Ait Ameur and Mohamed Khedr, who programmed a standard cobot to create the bespoke system. They also designed special 3D-printed accessories, including a custom ‘gripper’ fingers.
The system was tested, with input from Matthew Algie, to ensure the coffee met exacting quality standards.
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Mohamed Khedr added: “The joy of this project was its interactive nature. So often you design something or come up with a design solution that doesn’t become something tangible, so to see this become a reality is great. Already there’s a great buzz on campus about it.”
A second phase of the project will see students across relevant programmes research and develop enhancements to the cobot’s functionality and customer experience.
Leading the project, Head of Catering and Hospitality, Graham Paterson said: “The initiative is a great example of University values in action, with a people-focused approach to the use of technology to enhance operations.”
