SAN FRANCISCO, CA - As a kid, I always imagined the future would be full of flying cars and intelligent robots. It turns out, I was half right, as DoorDash has announced that it will be acquiring the robotics startup Chowbotics as it further explores the role of automation in the foodservice sector.
The California-based startup, which was founded in 2014, features a signature robot named Sally that contains 22 compartments used to stock vegetables, fruits, greens, nuts, and more, according to The Wall Street Journal. Customers build their meals and place an order at the touch screen kiosk, which provides nutrition information for all the products offered. Sally’s expertise ranges from creating delicious salads to brisket bowls, poke bowls, and yogurt bowls.
“We’re working on solutions to help merchants grow in an ever-challenging and changing landscape, and with Chowbotics we hope to enhance that level of support,” DoorDash said in a blog post after announcing that it has installed the robots across hundreds of new locations including grocery stores, universities, and hospitals.
While the companies did not reveal the terms of the deal, Chowbotics was valued at $46 million the last time it raised money in 2018. Using the startup company’s technology, DoorDash is exploring how it can help restaurants expand both their menus and locations, as Sally gives them the opportunity to set up in new places without the need for more employees. In addition to aiding its expansion, the overall automating of food production could save restaurants both time and money as the industry continues to see effects from COVID-19.
As more companies bring their innovations to light, what other big changes will emerge in the foodservice sector? AndNowUKnow will keep you updated.
