KUKA Powers First AI-Driven Robotic Restaurant at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, Redefining Food Service

KUKA Powers First AI-Driven Robotic Restaurant at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, Redefining Food Service

(IN BRIEF) KUKA has contributed to the launch of the world’s first robot-operated restaurant with artificial intelligence (AI) at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. The SELF restaurant uses a KUKA robotic arm and advanced machine vision to autonomously manage and process orders, significantly improving efficiency and service quality. The AI system provides benefits like faster service, consistent meal quality, personalized customer experiences, and sustainability through energy-efficient systems and recyclable materials. This project marks a major step in revolutionizing airport dining and the broader food industry, setting new standards for AI and robotics integration in food service.

(PRESS RELEASE) AUGSBURG, 7-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — KUKA is proud to be part of the groundbreaking SELF project, the world’s first robot-operated restaurant powered by artificial intelligence (AI), now officially opened at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. This marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of robotics and AI integration within the food service industry, setting a new benchmark for innovation.

The SELF restaurant, created in collaboration with Areas, Spain’s leading multinational travel restaurant company, and various other tech partners, is the result of extensive research and development efforts. At the heart of the restaurant’s operation is a KUKA robotic arm, which, alongside advanced AI and machine vision systems, autonomously manages and processes orders. This advanced technology enables SELF to dynamically adjust in real time to the needs of its environment, greatly enhancing both service efficiency and quality.

The integration of AI in SELF provides numerous advantages for the food industry:

• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: The restaurant can handle up to six orders simultaneously, optimizing inventory and procurement processes, which ensures quick and precise service.
• Consistent Quality: Machine vision guarantees that every meal meets the highest standards, ensuring freshness and precision in each order.
• Personalized Customer Experience: The collaboration between robots and human staff creates a more tailored and efficient service, enriching the overall customer experience.
• Sustainability: The restaurant incorporates energy-efficient systems and uses recyclable materials, reinforcing the sustainability commitments of both KUKA and Areas.

The debut of SELF at the Barcelona airport is not just an exciting step forward for airport dining, but it also sets a new standard for the entire food service industry. By combining robotics and artificial intelligence, SELF delivers unmatched levels of precision, efficiency, and personalization. This innovation paves the way for better resource management, reduced waste, and an overall improvement in sustainability practices.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this pioneering project, where our advanced robotics technology, coupled with AI, is used to create a completely new dining experience,” said Fernando Sanchez, CEO of KUKA Iberia. “This is just the beginning of what promises to be a transformative future in the food industry, where AI and automation raise the bar for efficiency, quality, and personalization.”

The partnership between robots and humans in SELF not only enhances operational capabilities but also allows staff to focus on more personalized services, such as customer interaction and bespoke dining experiences. This technological advancement represents a significant milestone toward a future where automation and AI work hand-in-hand to redefine the dining experience.

Media Contact:

Ulrike Götz
Spokesperson Technology
Tel: +49 821 797-3795
email: trademedia@kuka.com

SOURCE: KUKA AG