DoorDash Inc. said they are acquiring the robot company Chowbotics, indicating that interest in automating food production at the order is at a peak.
The companies did not disclose the terms of the deal, which The Wall Street Journal reported earlier Monday. According to data firm PitchBook, Chowbotics was valued at $ 46 million in 2018, when it last raised money.
A person familiar with the matter can, among other things, pick up salads and bowls through Chowbotics’ technology, and DoorDash investigates how it can be used in restaurants. Ideas include using technology to help restaurants expand their menu – such as enabling a pizzeria to serve salads – or allowing a salad bar to try new places – for example a kiosk at an airport – without the need for more manpower.
“We are working on solutions to help retailers grow in an increasingly challenging and changing landscape, and with Chowbotics we hope to improve the level of support,” DoorDash said in a blog post announcing the purchase. The company said Chowbotics has installed its meal robots at hundreds of locations, including universities, hospitals and grocery stores.
Although automating food production can save time and costs, it is unclear how it is possible to use potential food people for these technologies.