By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
TechgoonduTechgoondu
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Q&A: Ella, a robot barista, served over 100,000 cups of coffee in Singapore in 2022, say its creators
Share
Aa
TechgoonduTechgoondu
Aa
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Follow US
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Techgoondu > Blog > Enterprise > Q&A: Ella, a robot barista, served over 100,000 cups of coffee in Singapore in 2022, say its creators
EnterpriseInternet

Q&A: Ella, a robot barista, served over 100,000 cups of coffee in Singapore in 2022, say its creators

Alfred Siew
Last updated: February 15, 2023 at 10:30 PM
Alfred Siew Published February 15, 2023
6 Min Read
SHARE
Sylvain Barraud, Crown Digital’s head of technology and engineering. PHOTO: Crown Digital

At the Plaza Singapura mall in Singapore, shoppers have been treated to cups of espresso since September 2021, when a robot barista cutely named Ella first started brewing coffee to curious and surprised glances.

Enclosed in a kiosk, the robot has been busy preparing up to 200 cuppas an hour and in 2022 alone, it served up 100,000 beverages, according to Crown Digital, the Singapore startup behind the machine.

Since its introduction in 2020, various version of the Ella robot has been brewing coffee at events. In 2021, it started operating in Tokyo and Yokohama stations in Japan, as part of a test.

Sylvain Barraud, the company’s head of technology and engineering who oversees Ella’s development, tells Techgoondu that a consumer-facing robot requires a lot more thought than one that’s in a factory, say, making cars.

Other than refining the coffee making processing, such as how coffee beans are ground, the robot has to move in a pleasing, graceful manner so it does not alarm customers, he adds.

“We want the Ella experience to be enjoyable, so it’s important that Ella is pleasing to watch,” he says, in this month’s Q&A.

NOTE: Responses have been edited for style and clarity.

Ella, the robot barista is made by Singapore startup Crown Digital. PHOTO: Crown Digital website.

Q: How many cups of coffee has Ella served up so far and how does the coffee compare with ones made by human baristas?

A: In 2022 alone, Ella had served more than 100,000 cups of coffee to consumers across Singapore. Each hour, Ella can brew up to 200 cups. This is the main difference between Ella and a human barista.

There’s no doubt that a skilled barista can brew an exceptional cup of coffee, but it’s unlikely that they would be able to brew 200 in an hour, and ones that are consistently delicious.

Q: What are the lessons that can be learnt from the rollout in Singapore?

A: Ella is a consumer-facing robot, and with humans, we should always expect the unexpected, as they will always throw curveballs!

The main things we have learnt have been in relation to unexpected behaviour, and our response to the operational data is to automate as much of the Ella process as possible.

For example, we are developing a sensor so if a customer spills their coffee in one of the collection pigeonholes, the usage of said pigeonhole will be stopped until clean-up has taken place. When consumers are rushing to grab their coffees on the way into work, they can sometimes spill their drinks.

On the software side of things, we’ve refined the checkout process to be as smooth as possible, drawing inspiration from best-in-class apps.

By simplifying the design, we’ve made it more straightforward to use the e-wallet and subscription options when paying. This has helped to reduce the checkout time by 50 per cent and contributed to an increase in customer loyalty.

Additionally, we’ve added a gamified element whereby consumers can better see where they are in the queue and how it’s progressing on the robotic coffee making journey.

Q: What is the biggest challenge in designing a robot that has to interact with humans?

A: Ella needs to be fast and efficient. However, as a consumer-facing robot, it’s also important that she is not scary or dangerous. We want people to enjoy the Ella process!

With this in mind, we have a lot of additional considerations compared to if we were designing an industrial robot. A lot of work goes into finetuning the movements of Ella. For example, they need to be slow enough that they do not cause alarm, as well as being as smooth as possible.

There’s also an aesthetic element – again, we want the Ella experience to be enjoyable, so it’s important that Ella is pleasing to watch. As I mentioned, these considerations are unique to consumer-facing robots.

Q: Robotics proponents say humans can pivot to new jobs, much like carriage drivers in the 19th century became car drivers. Is that the right analogy today, and are people right to worry that robots will take away jobs?

A: This taps back into my earlier point about Ella’s speed and consistency when it comes to brewing up to 200 cups of coffee each day.

Good coffee is very much down to personal taste. Some prefer theirs milkier, sweeter, perhaps with syrup.

While a human barista may become overwhelmed with constant requests, Ella is able to meet these demands, and offers affordable, convenient, quality coffee.

An in-house barista, who develops and tests each and every recipe, is instrumental in this process. Additionally, the tech team works behind the scenes to make the necessary updates and developments to ensure that Ella is consistently delivering barista-level coffee to every customer.

In short, I don’t think robots will ever take away jobs. Rather, people will move into new roles, with robots supporting us on things that are humanly difficult or even impossible.

You Might Also Like

After another DBS outage, is it time to make banks publicly report service uptime?

IT leaders must manage the tension point between application development and security by embracing a DevSecOps approach

SPTel offers multi-network eSIM service to businesses running IoT apps

As TikTok faces a possible ban in the US, should users elsewhere be worried?

Foodpanda to use Gogoro electric scooters in battery swapping trial with Cycle & Carriage

TAGGED: barista, Crown Digital, Ella, Q&A, robotics, Sylvain Barraud, top

Sign up for the TG newsletter

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Alfred Siew February 15, 2023
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link Print
Share
Avatar photo
By Alfred Siew
Follow:
Alfred is a writer, speaker and media instructor who has covered the telecom, media and technology scene for more than 20 years. Previously the technology correspondent for The Straits Times, he now edits the Techgoondu.com blog and runs his own technology and media consultancy.
Previous Article StarHub offers 10Gbps fibre broadband in nationwide trial across Singapore
Next Article Keysight’s 2023 technology predictions: Insights from a test and measurement leader
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stay Connected

Facebook Like
Twitter Follow

Latest News

After another DBS outage, is it time to make banks publicly report service uptime?
Enterprise Internet March 30, 2023
Xiaomi 13 Pro review: A photography powerhouse with 1-inch image sensor
Cellphones Mobile March 29, 2023
IT leaders must manage the tension point between application development and security by embracing a DevSecOps approach
Cybersecurity Enterprise Software March 29, 2023
SPTel offers multi-network eSIM service to businesses running IoT apps
Enterprise Telecom March 28, 2023
//

Techgoondu.com is published by Goondu Media Pte Ltd, a company registered and based in Singapore.

.

Started in June 2008 by technology journalists and ex-journalists in Singapore who share a common love for all things geeky and digital, the site now includes segments on personal computing, enterprise IT and Internet culture.

banner banner
Everyday DIY
PC needs fixing? Get your hands on with the latest tech tips
READ ON
banner banner
Leaders Q&A
What tomorrow looks like to those at the leading edge today
FIND OUT
banner banner
Advertise with us
Discover unique access and impact with TG custom content
SHOW ME

 

 

POWERED BY READYSPACE
The Techgoondu website is powered by and managed by Readyspace Web Hosting.

TechgoonduTechgoondu
Follow US

© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Terms of Use | Advertise | About Us | Contact

Join Us!

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
 

Loading Comments...
 

    Welcome Back!

    Sign in to your account

    Lost your password?