Robot Manufacturer Introduces AI-Powered Bartender

Service-robot manufacturer Richtech Robotics recently unveiled Scorpion, an AI-powered, single-arm drink-serving robot.

Scorpion has an average drink-production time of one minute and its standard layout can support 20 ingredients, giving it a deep repertoire of cocktail recipes. It also uses intelligent conversation AI to interact with customers, such as providing drink recommendations based on their preferences and “mood,” Richtech said. It uses AI camera technology to interpret gestures and facial expressions and can converse in one primary language and three auxiliary languages. 

“Scorpion is designed with the ability to engage with customers, and its interactive personality and entertaining presence provide an unforgettable, novel experience,” Nevada-based Richtech said. 

Scorpion uses several Nvidia AI technologies to control its movements, including the NVIDIA Jetson Orin platform and Nvidia DeepStream software-development kit, which provide advanced body-movement detection, and Nvidia Isaac ROS accelerated libraries and virtual cameras for obstacle avoidance and object recognition, which allow it to operate operation in complex environments. Scorpion’s software stack is tested and validated in the Nvidia Isaac Sim reference application for physically based simulation.

“We are focused on providing solutions that streamline operations, increase efficiency and create cash flow for our clients,” said Matt Casella, Richtech Robotics president. “With that focus, we are proud to unveil Scorpion, sleek in design, agile in its offerings and eye-catching for customers. By incorporating Nvidia technologies with our own capabilities, we are helping elevate the industry to a new standard of precision and service.”

Because Scorpion is a single-arm robot, it is cheaper and more compact than Richtech’s two-armed, humanoid robot bartender, ADAM, and is designed to be set up in the bed of the Tesla Cybertruck.

Besides bartenders, Richtech also manufactures delivery, cleaning and multipurpose robots. 

Distribution Agreement

In unveiling Scorpion, Richtech said it signed a distributor agreement with Park 34 Liquor Store Inc., the owner of the 1936 Wine and Spirits store in New York, for the sale of at least 500 Scorpion units over five years, followed by the sale of at least another 500 Scorpions per year after that.

“The combination of AI-powered customization and efficient service that Scorpion offers will bring a new level of innovation to the beverage industry,” said Damian Phillip, Park34 Liquor Store vice president. “We believe this partnership will not only further augment customer experiences but also provide a competitive edge to businesses looking to modernize their operations.”