Robot burger-flipper starts first day on the job in California restaurant

This robot burger flipper is still under probation, so benefits and insurance are out of the question. Image: Miso Robotics

They say that robots will eventually take over the workplace. As they get “smarter,” robots would start to branch out from the assembly line and say, start flipping burgers at some diner in California.

Flippy is an AI-driven kitchen assistant developed by Miso Robotics and the owner of CaliBurger, the establishment where Flippy is currently at work, reports Engadget.

This robotic burger connoisseur is not only able to flip burgers but also put them in buns. It uses cameras, sensors and deep learning software to find ingredients around the kitchen without additional reconfiguration.

Flippy’s sensors also help it to keep track of the patties’ temperature and cooking time. Once cooking is done, it lets its human boss top off the burgers with cheese and other toppings.

“Much like self-driving vehicles, our system continuously learns from its experiences to improve over time,” said David Zito, CEO of Miso Robotics.

Flippy is currently on “probation” in Pasadena but, once this is done, more Flippies will be deployed to over 50 CaliBurger locations in the next two years. Existing staff in these branches will be reassigned to the dining room while others will be trained to operate the new mechanical assistant.

Next thing we’ll know, robotic cooks will be arguing with unsatisfied customers regarding some extra machine oil topping that they did not ask for. Alfred Bayle/JB