TXTRNZ

Are robots replacing humans behind the coffee machine?

Mechanical baristas are starting to pop up in Auckland. Should we be afraid?

A constant murmur of machines fills the air in a giant room without lights.

These are China's "dark factories" - fully automated production hubs where AI-driven machines operate without human workers, pushing the boundaries of automation.

Snippets of this technology appear to be slowly making its way to New Zealand.

Over the past two years, service robots have started to pop up in hotels and restaurants, assisting with luggage handling and food delivery.

But who could have imagined that robots would next emerge in one of the country's most-treasured roles, replacing the humble barista to make a takeaway coffee?

With New Zealand's first robotic coffee machines crafting precision-made shots of espresso, cafes are stepping into a new era - where technology and tradition blend in every cup.

A robotic barista in operation at Folletto Caffé in Auckland's CBD. Photo: RNZ / Yiting Lin

Founded by tech enthusiast Andrew Joo, Folletto Caffé is believed to have introduced one of the country's first robotic baristas.

"From a young age, I've been fascinated by machines and technology, especially those with visually engaging elements," Joo says.

"I wanted to create something unique, something that would make the process of ordering and waiting for coffee more exciting."

Imported from South Korea and customized for Kiwi tastes, the robot barista operates at two Auckland locations on Karangahape Road and Rutland Street crafting precision-made shots of espresso. Every. Single. Time.

"Making the perfect espresso depends on multiple factors: high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans; a fine, consistent grind; proper dose; and extraction time," Joo says.

"Our machine is designed to automatically calibrate itself to maintain optimal extraction levels, ensuring that every cup meets our quality standards."

Customers use a touchscreen to select a coffee at Folletto Caffé. Photo: RNZ / Yiting Lin

Since launching in December, Folletto Caffé has attracted a number of curious customers.

Pelvian Borges, 26, calls it a "unique concept".

"I think a lot of places are getting robot. This is just a start," he says. "AI small coffee spots [make] coffee more accessible to people."

Kristine June, a barista at Folletto Caffé, expresses some unease working alongside a robot, especially when new customers enter the store and can be seen deciding between her and the machine.

However, she believes human baristas provide a personalized touch, while robots strictly follow a standardized process.

Joo says robots won't replace human baristas but complement them.

"Coffee is personal," he says. "Automation allows for longer operating hours and consistent quality, but human baristas offer warmth and personality that customers love."

COFE+ in Auckland's CBD serves about 100 cups of coffee every day. Photo: RNZ / Yiting Lin

Marie Fan launched COFE+ Robot Café at Queen's Food Court in central Auckland in January.

Powered by Shanghai Hi-Dolphin Robot Technology, whose machines operate in more than 30 cities worldwide, the mechanical barista at COFE+ is designed with region-specific programming.

"In New Zealand, the robot serves locally preferred coffee beans like the 1960s Vintage and Ken's Choice," Fan says.

An app-integrated system allows real-time monitoring of ingredients such as beans and milk.

COFE+ currently serves around 100 cups of coffee per day, with each cup brewed in just 60 seconds.

Building on this success, Fan recently opened a second location in Newmarket.

"Our café targets different customers than traditional coffee shops," Fan says.

"While traditional cafés focus on creating a relaxing atmosphere and a sense of community, we cater to customers who prioritize speed, consistency and quality."

Daisy Willis, an office worker in central Auckland, acknowledges the machine's efficiency.

"These sorts of cafes would be great in places like train stations, airports and inside offices as well - [the] kind of places where you don't have a lot of time to wait in line for a drink," she says.

Michael Zhang, 46, believes robots won't replace human baristas in the short term, but businesses may increasingly introduce them to cut costs.

"Labour costs in New Zealand are high and the economy isn't strong," Zhang says. "More businesses will likely explore this option [in future]."