Over a year ago, we reported on Cafe X. They are a robot coffee bar that has been popping up in the San Francisco area. Everything is completely autonomous as a robotic arm makes and serves the drinks.

After collecting data and feedback from their prototypes, Cafe X is expanding beyond San Francisco with an improved robot and a brand new location at the San Jose International Airport (SJC).

The new robot coffee bar features an updated interface, sleeker design, along with music and a ‘dancing robot’. Cafe X has also improved on performance and speed.

credit: Cafe X

Robot Coffee Bar Makes Drinks in Under 30 Seconds

Cafe X serves all types of drinks including cappuccinos, macchiatos, teas, lattes, and hot chocolate. Whatever you decide on, the wait won’t be too long. Drinks are completed within 30 seconds and the robotic precision gets the order right every time. With the updated machine, Cafe X can now handle ten orders simultaneously.

Customers order using an app on their smartphone or at a nearby kiosk. A signal is given and the robotic arms get to work on the drink. Once the order is ready, customers will receive a text with a four-digit code. They then enter the code into the touch screen and the coffee drink is lowered into the vending compartment. The robot will even give a friendly wave once the order is complete.

credit: Cafe X

Cafe X Uses Local Roasters

So robots are fun.. but is the coffee any good? The company really takes pride in the quality of their product. They use local roasters and have a variety of organic milk options. Prices are also reasonable with most drinks costing under $3.

Cafe X at San Jose Airport is located near Gate 34 in Terminal B and is open seven days a week from 7:00 am – 7:30 pm.

“It’s super rewarding to now be launching our first airport Cafe X location. We look forward to entertaining travelers with our friendly, dancing robotic barista while saving them from what seems like an eternity of waiting in line for coffee,” said Henry Hu, founder, and CEO of Cafe X.

Check out our articles on sick students in Japan sending a robot to school and iRobot’s patent for cleaning up after your pet.