Barista Bot: Can Macco's Kime Run Your Coffee Shop?

Key Points

• Macco Robotics, founded in 2017 in Spain, develops AI-powered humanoid robots for the food and beverage industry, focusing on hospitality.
• KIME, their flagship robot, serves drinks and some food, standing 2 meters tall with a head, torso, and two articulating arms.
• The company has offices in Spain, India, USA, and Singapore, and recently expanded to the American market with an office in NYC.
• KIME can pour beer in 23 seconds, supports up to 10 languages, and is made with antimicrobial materials for hygiene.

Introduction to Macco Robotics

Macco Robotics is a company making waves in the robotics world, especially for those interested in how technology can transform hospitality. Founded in 2017 in Seville, Spain, they specialize in AI-powered humanoid robots designed for the food and beverage industry, like hotels and restaurants. Their mission? To make service faster, cleaner, and more efficient, helping businesses handle busy times with ease.

About KIME, Their Star Robot

Their main robot, KIME, is a 2-meter-tall humanoid that looks a bit like a futuristic bartender. It can serve drinks like coffee, beer, and cocktails, and even handle some food items like snacks or salads. It’s built to work in various settings, from bars to events, and is made with antimicrobial materials to keep things hygienic.

Recent Moves and Growth

Macco Robotics has grown globally, with offices in India, the USA, and Singapore, and just opened a new office in NYC as of March 15, 2025. They’ve also launched a restaurant there to show off KIME, which is a big step into the American market. This shows they’re serious about expanding and making an impact worldwide.

Unexpected Detail: KIME at Gas Stations?

One interesting thing is KIME has been trialed at gas stations in Portugal, which might seem odd, but it shows how versatile it can be. It’s not just for fancy bars—it can fit into unexpected places, serving drinks on the go.

Detailed Analysis of Macco Robotics and KIME

Macco Robotics, formally known as Macco, is a Spanish company founded in 2017 by a team of experts in robotics and AI, headquartered in Seville, Spain. The company specializes in developing AI-powered humanoid robots for the food and beverage industry, with a particular focus on the hospitality sector, including hotels, restaurants, and catering (HORECA). Their mission is to enhance efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve customer experiences through innovative robotic solutions. The team comprises professionals with backgrounds in robotics, AI, and food technology, positioning them as a leader in the foodtech robotics space.

Background and Development

Macco Robotics was established with the vision of connecting robots with humans, particularly in the hospitality industry. Their first major product, KIME, was launched and has undergone years of testing to ensure efficacy and reliability. The company has participated in various accelerator programs, such as the MARL 5G Accelerator, and secured a pre-seed funding round of $550K, indicating early investor confidence. Their global expansion includes offices in India, USA, and Singapore, reflecting their ambition to cater to international markets.

Partnerships have been crucial for Macco Robotics. They collaborated with companies like Mahou-San Miguel, where their robots were praised for maintaining beverage quality, and recently sealed a deal with KRS Group to enter the American market. This partnership enabled them to open an inaugural office in NYC and launch a restaurant on Madison Ave. to showcase KIME, marking a significant milestone as of March 15, 2025.

KIME: The Robot Bartender

KIME is Macco Robotics' flagship product, a humanoid robot designed for the food and beverage sector. Standing at 2 meters tall, KIME features a robotic head, torso, and two articulating arms, making it appear human-like and approachable. It is capable of serving a wide range of items, including water, coffee, wine, beer, bottled drinks, juices, cocktails, teas, shakes, ice cream, salads, prepared meals, packaged sandwiches, poke, and noodles. Below is a table summarizing KIME's key specifications:

KIME's versatility is one of its standout features. It can operate in various settings, from bars and restaurants to events and gas stations, as evidenced by a trial with Portugal's Prio gas company. The robot's ability to serve multiple items and its plug-and-play design make it easy to deploy in different environments. It also features a touchscreen interface for ordering and a built-in payment system, enhancing customer interaction. The antimicrobial materials ensure hygiene, which is particularly important in the post-COVID era.

Advanced Mechanics

At the core of KIME's impressive functionality is its state-of-the-art mechanical design. The robot is built with 22 degrees of freedom, allowing for highly precise and flexible movements. Its articulated arms are capable of a wide range of motions, from delicate pouring to rapid dispensing, ensuring that every action is performed with accuracy.

KIME is equipped with a suite of advanced sensors, including 3D LiDAR, RGB-D cameras, and proximity sensors, which enable it to perceive and interact with its surroundings. These sensors allow KIME to navigate its workspace, avoid obstacles, and interact safely with customers and staff. Additionally, safety sensors ensure that KIME operates within a secure environment, preventing accidents and ensuring smooth, uninterrupted service.

Key Initiatives and Innovations

Macco Robotics has focused on integrating advanced AI and robotics technologies to enhance KIME's functionality. The robot uses machine learning to recognize regular customers and tailor service, improving the customer experience. Their recent expansion into the American market, announced through a LinkedIn post (Macco Robotics LinkedIn), includes showcasing KIME at a restaurant on Madison Ave. in NYC, highlighting its potential in high-traffic hospitality settings.

The company's approach to manufacturing involves rigorous testing, with KIME being tested and proven over years before market release. They prioritize quality and reliability, as stated on their website (Macco Robotics). Their software infrastructure supports multilingual capabilities and integrates with IoT for seamless operation, ensuring efficiency in busy environments.

Fun Facts and Unexpected Details

• Unexpected Versatility: KIME isn't just for bars; it can serve at gas stations, a practice trialed in Portugal, which might seem unusual but shows its adaptability.
• Rapid Service: Pouring a beer in 23 seconds is faster than many human bartenders, making it ideal for busy venues.
• Global Reach: Having offices in four countries, Macco Robotics is truly international, with plans to expand further, as seen in their NYC launch.

Recent Developments and Future Outlook

As of March 15, 2025, Macco Robotics is focusing on scaling its operations, particularly in the USA, with the NYC office and restaurant launch. Their collaboration with KRS Group is a significant step, aiming to integrate KIME into more American hospitality businesses. The company is also exploring new applications for KIME, such as event rentals and healthcare settings, indicating a broad future scope.

For those interested in joining this innovative journey, Macco Robotics offers career opportunities, though specific details are available through their LinkedIn page (Macco Robotics LinkedIn).

Conclusion

Macco Robotics, with KIME at its core, is revolutionizing the hospitality industry by providing efficient, hygienic, and engaging robotic solutions. Their global presence and recent American market entry position them for significant growth, making them a key player to watch in the robotics and AI space.

Key Citations

• Macco Robotics Official Website Detailed Overview
• Macco Robotics Company Profile and Funding
• Macco Robotics LinkedIn Page for Updates
• Article on Macco Robotics KIME Robot Bartender