Miso Robotics unveils smaller, more efficient Flippy Fry Cook for faster installation

USA – Robotics and automation company Miso Robotics has unveiled a more compact and efficient robotic fry station that streamlines installation time compared to earlier versions of its Flippy fry cook, according to a press release.

The company revealed that recent investments had allowed it to test new Flippy models at some White Castle locations late last year.

The updated version of the robot is both faster and more compact, occupying about half the floor space of its predecessor.

It can now be installed in just a few hours, significantly reducing installation time by 75% compared to earlier models. This reduction minimizes disruptions to restaurant operations during the setup process.

The smaller design enables Flippy to fit into existing kitchen spaces, which lowers potential remodeling costs and mitigates some permitting challenges.

Miso also claims that the cost of using Flippy, which operates at a monthly rate of US$5,400, is more affordable than hiring an additional staff member. However, the true operating cost depends on the robot’s usage.

For instance, a restaurant using Flippy for 12 hours a day incurs an hourly cost of US$14.51, slightly above the median wage for fast food workers, which is US$14.31.

The cost drops to US$7.25 per hour if the robot operates 24 hours a day, equivalent to the federal minimum wage.

Miso asserts that Flippy can handle up to 100 baskets per hour, outperforming human workers in terms of productivity. The robot is capable of cooking a variety of fried foods, such as fries, onion rings, chicken, and tacos.

Dennis Lock, Miso’s head of sales, emphasized that the goal of Flippy is not to replace workers but to optimize operations.

He suggested that the robot could reduce costs and increase revenue by redeploying labor to more valuable tasks, improving service speed, and reducing food waste.

Miso recently secured new investments from EcoLab and formed a partnership with Nvidia, known for its AI hardware.

The development of Flippy is attributed to Rich Hull, who became CEO in 2023. Despite a slow rollout, White Castle reaffirmed its commitment to deploying the robot in 100 of its locations by 2023, a plan originally announced in 2022.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.