From a barista to a masseuse, autonomous robots are changing the way we live, work and play. Here are some robotic innovations that exist in our country
If you've noticed a rise in the number of robots around you lately, especially amid the coronavirus pandemic, you weren't imagining things. They have become quite a common sight, covering a multitude of sectors from F&B to health and hygiene, to keep citizens safe and take on mundane tasks to alleviate our everyday stresses.
As a result, embracing robotic technology and automation has kept the city-state on track to achieve its ambition of becoming a technologically advanced smart nation. In fact, Singapore has become the second country to have the highest robot density in the world, trailing slightly behind South Korea. Here, we spotlight four robotic innovations you may have witnessed in the past year.
Automated barista
Powered by robotics and artificial intelligence, the team of “ratiologists” at Ratio Café and Lounge will brew your cup of joe, right down to your preferred number of espresso shots, in under one minute. And get this: the cafe transforms into a bar by night. There are over 50 fully customisable coffee—Nanyang and speciality coffee included— and cocktail selections to choose from.
All you need to do is key in your order on the Ratio app or self‑ordering kiosk in‑store and the information will be stored for future reference. Ratio founder Gavin Pathross explains, “Robots and AI are not here to replace the human touch. Instead, the human‑centric tech frees us from repetitive work. This way, we can do what humans do best—communicate and have great conversations [with our guests].”
