Robotic Smoothie Kiosk Serving Drivers 24/7

An autonomous, robotic smoothie-making kiosk in Williams, California is providing 24/7 service to motorists.

The kiosk, created and developed by robotic food service company Blendid and dubbed Jamba, has been adopted at the Love Travel Stops location just outside of Sacramento. It marks the first trial of Blendid’s 24/7 vision for the service and, if successful, these autonomous smoothie-making stops could be rolled out at additional Love Travel locations.

Blendid developed specific personalities behind the robotic smoothie makers at each of its kiosks, as a response to customers’ increased interest in and engagement with robots exhibiting unique traits. The Jamba robots are given specific visual identities and are programmed to engage with customers and even dance while they make the smoothies.  

“We began to notice that our guests were really interested in the robots, and created personas for them,” said Danielle Fisher, Jamba’s VP of marketing. “It was that observation that led to engaging with Gestalt Brand Lab, where they created the robot’s persona and built a distinct visual identity for the Jamba by Blendid kiosks.”

Motorists visiting the newly-installed kiosk can select and alter an order via the Blendid app, as well as schedule an order collection. The round-the-clock kiosk joins a growing trend for installing robotic assistants to help meet labor shortages and demands for contactless service; particularly in sites operating anti-social hours such as university dorms, hospitals, or roadside services.

“We are dedicated to meeting the rising demand for refreshing quick-serve options,” said Vipin Jain, Blendid CEO. “Our robotic kiosks give consumers, and now motorists, fast, customizable and delicious food choices.”