Costa Coffee is set to launch a robotic coffee kiosk this summer.
The UK-based business will partner with US hospitality group Delaware North to launch ’Costa Coffee Creations’ at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas in August 2024.
The concept involves a 24sq ft fully automated robotic coffee stand capable of producing hot and cold barista-style espresso beverages without human intervention for up to seven days in row.
“Amid persistent labour shortages and growing consumer demand for convenience and personalisation, Costa Coffee Creations emerges as the perfect solution. With the ability to concoct an infinite array of coffee options in minutes and facilitating seamless mobile ordering, all without the need for human intervention, the machine embodies a win-win scenario for operators and guests alike,” said Nick Rex, senior director, sales, Costa Coffee US.
Delaware North, which operates more than 300 restaurant and retail stores across 30 airports globally, said the current self-serve Costa Coffee BaristaBot at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has demonstrated ‘remarkable success’ – achieving double the revenue per square foot compared to other beverage offerings in the airport.
Costa Coffee entered the US market in October 2020 through its acquisition of ‘coffee robot’ brand Briggo – a network of 52 automated coffee kiosks Costa Coffee converted to its now discontinued BaristaBot brand.
