A different dining experience is making its debut in France, as Avignon is home to the country's first bar that uses robots and technology artificial intelligence to prepare and serve drinks and ice cream. Leemi Robot opened its doors on September 19, bringing to the city center a concept that has already been developed in the Asian market, particularly in China.
The store is located at Rue de la République 26 and is based on three automated units, which take on different tasks. Customers place their order via a screen and pay electronically, while robotic arms then begin the preparation and delivery of the finished product.
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Robot behind coffee and bubble tea
The system is designed to make the process as automated as possible. The coffee unit offers around 30 different hot and cold beverages, giving guests plenty of choices without the need for a traditional barista behind the counter.
One of the most impressive features is the ability to personalize certain lattes. The system can create an image on the foam using edible ink, turning an ordinary beverage into a small personalized spectacle.
Meanwhile, the remaining automated units take on the task of making bubble tea and preparing ice cream. The process takes place in front of customers, adding a “show” element that seems to be an important part of the experience.
An idea that came from China
The project is being led by Xiaoyong Xu, a restaurant owner in Avignon. The idea came to him after he came across similar robotics applications during travels in China.
Impressed by the way automated machines could be used in catering, he decided to take the idea to France. The investment to create Leemi Robot reached almost 100,000 euros, an amount that shows that this is a venture with significant initial costs.
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Additionally, the machines can be monitored and controlled remotely by technicians located in China. Thus, the technology is not limited to manufacturing automation, but also incorporates a remote technical support model.
Technology becomes part of the experience
Since its first days of operation, the store has attracted the interest of residents and visitors. The colorful robots are an attraction in themselves, especially for younger customers interested in technology and robotics.
This is an important element for such businesses. The robot functions not only as a work tool, but also as part of the commercial experience itself. The brewing process becomes a spectacle, which can enhance customer curiosity and differentiate a store from a conventional café.
The human being is not completely absent
Despite the high degree of automation, Leemi Robot is not a store without a human presence. A staff member is on site, helping customers complete their orders, supervising the operation of the machines and intervening in case of a problem.
This detail is particularly important, as it shows that completely replacing the human factor remains difficult. Even when technology can take over repetitive tasks, someone still needs to manage unforeseen situations, communicate with customers, and ensure the smooth operation of the store.
The big question about focus
The emergence of robotic cafés is inevitably sparking debate about the future of work in the food service industry. Automation can reduce the time required for certain processes and provide consistency in performing repetitive tasks.
On the other hand, industry professionals emphasize the importance of human contact. Personal service, communication with the customer and the ability to immediately adapt to specific needs are elements that an automated system cannot yet fully reproduce.
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Robotic crepes are coming too
Leemi Robot, however, seems to be treating the venture as more than just an experiment. The company is already planning to expand its capabilities, adding a fully automated crepe-making machine this winter .
The store is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm, while the prices for the available drinks and ice cream range from approximately 3 to 6 euros.
Time will tell whether this model can evolve into a sustainable form of catering or whether it will remain primarily an impressive technological experience. In any case, the Leemi Robot is another example of how robotics is moving from factories and laboratories into spaces that have until now relied almost exclusively on human labor.
