Robot baristas the latest in automation

SEOUL: Dal.komm Coffee company has 45 robot-equipped outlets. A robot barista takes orders remotely through a mobile app or kiosk cashier and then brews fresh coffee.

Less than a minute later, the robot sends a code the customer can use to open a pick-up box. The robot can handle up to 14 drinks at a time. Drinks not retrieved within 10 minutes are thrown away, but another can be ordered at no charge.

South Korea’s minimum wage has jumped by 27.3% over the last two years, adding to the incentive to cut labour costs using automation.