Shanghai is seeing a coffee revolution, thanks to the latest innovation: the robotic coffee kiosk, Cofe+.
Founded in 2018, Hi-Dolphin has developed Cofe+, a self-contained robotic coffee kiosk designed to enhance both efficiency and quality. The kiosk offers a cost-effective and low-maintenance alternative to traditional coffee shops, with a brewing process that ensures a consistent cup of coffee every time.
“The COFE+ robot coffee kiosk is fully enclosed for sterilization and dust elimination, intelligently disinfects and cleans, and operates 24 hours a day,” Han said.
The Cofe+ offers customers a variety of options, including a choice between two types of coffee beans, two cup sizes, and three temperature settings old, hot, and iced. Additionally, customers have full control over the coffee’s strength, sweetness, temperature, and ice level, allowing for a highly personalized beverage experience. This robotic barista boasts the potential to serve over 50 different flavors.
One of the standout features of the Cofe+ is its compact size. Occupying less than 2.5 square meters and weighing around 800kg, it is designed to fit seamlessly into various environments. Its “four-axis robotic arm” is the centerpiece of the operation, performing every step of the coffee-making process with precision, from filling the cups to handing them over to customers.
According to the South China Morning Post, the kiosk’s automation results in a brewing time of around 50 seconds, allowing it to serve around 300 drinks a day.
The kiosk also addresses hygiene concerns with a fully enclosed design, which includes insect and bacteria protection. It also has a self-cleaning system and maintains milk at a constant temperature, ensuring a clean and safe coffee-making process.
One of the most significant advantages of Cofe+ is its ability to operate 24/7, making it highly efficient in terms of cost and staffing. Hi-Dolphin claims that running an automated coffee kiosk is 90% less expensive than a traditional coffee shop, and it requires minimal maintenance. Each kiosk can be restocked and maintained in under 30 minutes, allowing one person to service up to 10 kiosks a day.
The technology has proven popular, with Cofe+ installed in over 500 locations across China, including hospitals, bookstores, museums, temples, tourist hotspots, and research institutes. As many traditional coffee shops in China struggle with the economic downturn, Hi-Dolphin’s robotic kiosks present a potential solution. According to Han, these kiosks could help coffee shops survive the economic challenges by reducing operational costs.
Hi-Dolphin has continuously refined the Cofe+ model through five product iterations, improving its design and functionality. The kiosks have also gained interest in international markets, with each unit priced between $50,000 and $60,000, and an expected lifespan of 10 years. Their durability and longevity have been key selling points for overseas customers.
