Robot chef churns out 400 burgers an hour, won't join a union

Wimpy from the Popeye cartoons would be pleased.

If you’re already worried about robots taking the place of human workers, you’re not going to like this: One company hopes to revolutionize the fast-food industry with its robotic burger-maker that can churn out a gut-busting 400 gourmet burgers an hour.

However, the bot’s efficiency isn’t the key to changing the already rosy fortunes of the burger business. Insteadm it’s the machines ability to replace a highly costly (think $9 billion) human workforce. That’s right, this machine is settings its sights on making human burger flippers obsolete—making a not-so-happy meal for some.

San Francisco-based start-up Momentum Machines claims that its robo-chef can handle all the work of the production line, be it chopping fresh vegetables, grilling the patty, or automatically wrapping completed burgers that are ready for waiting customers. If being able to take on the entire production line wasn’t enough, the alpha machine also saves precious space, taking up just 24 square feet.

Momentum Machines expects that its automat will allow fast food restaurants to free up more space for customers to eat, and in turn, bring in higher revenues. And its small size could let it work in food trucks and convenience stores, and it could even work as a vending machine.

According to its creator, the burger making appliance will pay for itself within one year, and it probably won’t go and join a union.

One thing’s for sure: You probably won’t want to stand at the end of this machine with your mouth hanging open. Unless…

[via Gizmodo]

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