BurgerBots Bring Next-Gen ABB Robotics to Fast Food Automation
How ABB’s IRB 360 FlexPicker® and YuMi® robots are reshaping made-to-order burger assembly
A Robotic Kitchen Revolution, aka Fast Food Automation
In Los Gatos, California, ABB Robotics is redefining fast food automation with its new BurgerBots concept. By deploying industrial-grade robots in a compact automated cell, ABB aims to deliver perfectly cooked, made-to-order burgers every time, transforming repetitive back-of-house tasks into a precision-driven spectacle.
Precision Assembly in Just 27 Seconds
As each order arrives, a freshly cooked patty is placed onto a bun inside a BurgerBots box. A conveyor shuttle tagged with a QR code then carries the box under ABB’s IRB 360 FlexPicker®, which hygienically performs high-speed topping selection guided by the embedded data. Finally, the YuMi® collaborative robot joins in for the burger’s final assembly—all in just 27 seconds per burger.
Inside the BurgerBots Cell
The compact robotic cell is a food automation first, seamlessly integrating two types of robots with an intelligent inventory monitoring system. Patrons watching through the glass can see how ABB’s technology streamlines every step—from bun placement to condiment dispensing—while maintaining industrial-grade consistency.
Intelligent Inventory Monitoring
ABB’s robot controller doesn’t stop at assembly. It integrates with non-robotic systems to track onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and condiments in real time, ensuring kitchens never run out of key ingredients and managers can forecast needs more accurately.
Addressing Labor Challenges
One of the greatest challenges facing restaurant owners today is attracting and retaining staff.³ High turnover, rising labor costs, and the repetitive nature of back-of-house roles continue to put pressure on hospitality businesses. Automation presents an opportunity not just to fill labor gaps, but to make foodservice jobs more sustainable and appealing by reducing tedious tasks and improving workflows.
Marc Segura on Automation Potential
Marc Segura, President, ABB Robotics Division, said:
“Integrating ABB robots with the BurgerBots restaurant concept demonstrates the incredible potential for automation beyond the factory floor. The food service industry is dynamic and demanding, and our technology brings industrial-grade consistency, efficiency and reliability to this space. When we asked the hospitality industry, 89% of managers and 73% of workers said they are open to the integration of robotics to automate tasks within their operations.² By taking over repetitive and time-consuming tasks, robots allow staff to focus on what matters most – creating memorable dining experiences.”
Support from the Workforce
Supporting this shift in mindset, a recent survey commissioned by ABB Robotics found that 67 per cent of hospitality workers agreed that robotics and automation should be used to reduce the amount of dull, dirty, dangerous work humans are doing in the hospitality industry.⁴ While 63 per cent agreed that the idea of robotics making their job easier is exciting, 65 per cent agreed that they would welcome robots in their workplace if it meant a safer work environment.
Founder’s Vision
Elizabeth Truong, Owner, Burger Bots, said:
“The vision was to bring consistency, transparency, and efficiency to food service. For restaurant owners, it means better visibility of food costs, more accurate forecasting and – ultimately – better decision making. In the next five years, I believe that most restaurants will have some form of robotic automation, whether it’s back-of-house preparation, assembly, or even front-of-house service. It will become less of a novelty and more of a necessity.”
Expanding the Robotic Table
BurgerBots joins other ABB-powered innovations in hospitality automation. Collaborations like RoboEatz’s ARK—an autonomous kitchen capable of preparing hundreds of meals with minimal human intervention—and Makr Shakr’s robotic bartenders demonstrate the breadth of applications. From burgers to cocktails, robotics is redefining speed, hygiene and customization in foodservice.
Looking Ahead
The first BurgerBots cell is now open and operating at the Breaking Dawn/First Born restaurant in downtown Los Gatos. As ABB and its partners refine the technology, made-to-order burgers assembled by robots may soon become a common sight—ushering in a new era where precision engineering meets the fast-casual dining experience.
¹ Survey of 750 US hospitality managers and 1,250 hospitality workers, conducted by Censuswide for ABB (April 2025).
² Ibid.
³ The National Restaurant Association reported in 2024 that three out of four employees leave their roles within a year.
⁴ Survey of 750 US hospitality managers and 1,250 hospitality workers, conducted by Censuswide for ABB (April 2025).
