"Jukebox" Robotic Bartender Mixes Up Industry with Speedy Service

by Bernadette Heier | Jun 8, 2023 | Automation, News

Inspiration from the ’60s and ’70s era paired with distaste for waiting in long lines are among reasons behind a Los Angeles-based startup's retro, robotic bartender.

Resembling a jukebox, Rotender is a robotic bartender that pours shots and cocktails in less than 30 seconds. The machine can hold up to 16 one-liter bottles on a rotating carousel and make 350 drinks before needing a restock.

The Rotender can hold up to 16 one-liter bottles on a rotating carousel.

Ben Winston, Rotender founder and CEO, wanted to solve the issue of long wait times in high-volume areas such as sporting games, concerts and events. "So people can get back to the game, the show, your friends, your life," he said.

"Say you’re planning to go to an event for three or four months … you hired a babysitter to go out with your spouse, and then have to wait 45 minutes every time you’re in line, you’re going to miss a third of the event, and that's not fair," said Winston.

Customers select their alcohol and mixer of choice, pay and watch as the Rotender spins, lights up with LEDs and mixes the drink.

The system can also verify age by matching identification with facial recognition. Rotenders are equipped with KYC (know your customer) technology, that allows customers to pop their I.D.'s into a reader and have their face scanned via the front facing camera on the machine's tablet, to ensure a match.

Unlike other robot bartenders that use robotic arms to make drinks, such as the ‘Toni’ from Makr Shakr or the kind that engage in banter, like AI powered bartender Cecilia.ai., Rotender's design resembles more of an automated vending machine, with speed and simplicity in mind.

Robotic bartender "Toni" by Makr Shakr utilizes autonomous arms.

"High balls like vodka, soda, whiskey, ginger, these are the most popular liquor-based drinks that customers are ordering when they go out to these really high-volume events," said Winston.

On replacing bartenders, Winston stresses that Rotender is a "totally different concept" based on high-traffic areas where there isn't much opportunity to form a relationship.

"If you want a full selection or a white glove experience, go to a bartender," he said.

Prices for Rotenders are based on consultation, venue and size. There's also opportunity for sponsorship, in which companies can have their signage and logos wrapped around the machine and displayed on the screens.

Rotender has deployed in various venues from celebrity parties for The Chainsmokers to the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles.

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