Makr Shakr 2023: Makr Shakr’s Robots Offer Different Features to Draw in Customers For All Types of Locations!

In the dynamic intersection of technology, culture, and mixology, Emanuele Rossetti stands at the forefront as the CEO of Makr Shakr, a company whose very name encapsulates its ambitious vision. "Maker" is more than a title for Rossetti and his team—it's a philosophy deeply rooted in the ethos of open-source production processes and digital fabrication. Paired with "Shaker," a nod to the fundamental tool in the craft of mixology, Makr Shakr not only acknowledges the traditional art of drink-making but also heralds the transformative potential of robotics within the industry. As Delivery Rank delves into the world of Makr Shakr, we uncover a compelling narrative where technology meets tradition, and the future of mixology is shaken, stirred, and, most importantly, innovatively crafted.

Can you share more about the initial spark that led to the concept of Makr Shakr and the development of robotic bartenders? How did the collaboration with MIT's Senseable City Lab contribute to shaping the vision?

Makr Shakr debuted in 2013, at the Google I/O conference in San Francisco. It was designed by the team of Carlo Ratti, director of the MIT Senseable City Lab and founder of the design firm Carlo Ratti Associati. It was supposed to be a one-off installation, but it was so successful that we immediately received inquiries from tens of clients who wanted a robot bartender for themselves! This is how we started working with Royal Caribbean, the leading cruise ship company, with whom we still have a fantastic collaboration relationship. 

The project was originally developed to investigate human interaction with technology in the creation and enjoyment of beverages. As robotics becomes increasingly more present in our daily life, the aim is to showcase how our robotic counterparts could foster social connections. The underlying principle is "design, make, and enjoy”. People can use an app to create personalized drinks, then share recipes and mutual inspirations. This blending of technology and social interaction introduces a new way for individuals to be creative within the realm of mixology. As we often say, with Makr Shakr, “You are the bartender”.

How has Makr Shakr embraced the advancements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the development of robotic bartenders? What are some key technological milestones that have played a crucial role in the evolution of your products?

Our machines incorporate sophisticated robotics - including Kuka robotic arms - enabling them to perform complex tasks accurately and quickly. The irreplaceable essence lies in the touch we bring. Our robots' movements are modeled to mirror the graceful moves of Marco Pelle, the distinguished choreographer from the New York Theater’s Ballet. 

Makr Shakr has also embraced advancements in sensor technology, enabling precise measurements and ensuring the perfect blend of ingredients. These sensors, combined with real-time data analysis, guarantee a delightful drinking experience overall!

For the future, we aim to remain at the forefront of technological development. We are particularly excited to explore how Artificial Intelligence can further improve our offer.

The name "Makr Shakr" suggests a blend of open-source culture and mixology. How has this unique cultural fusion influenced the development process and the overall ethos of the company?

Our company’s name blends 'maker' and 'shaker,' two terms that express the convergence of open-source culture and the art of mixology. Firstly, it's about being inclusive: working together and sharing ideas is a big part of our approach and working culture. We've created an environment where everyone contributes to different ideas, sparking creativity in crafting an amazing robotic bartending system.

With Makr Shakr, the customer and the robot work together. Clients can control the robotic arms via a mobile app, effectively becoming virtual bartenders. This allows them to personalize their drinks by selecting single ingredients, while the mechanical arms execute the mixing process and deliver the orders. A digital display offers real-time insights into the drinks being made and your position in the queue.

This aims to harness the strengths of both human creativity and technological efficiency. It fosters a collaborative environment where customers actively participate in the drink creation process using our robots as active companions.

How do you envision Makr Shakr's robotic bartenders influencing the broader hospitality and entertainment industry?

In the evolving landscape of hospitality and entertainment, each of Makr Shakr's robotic models -Toni Compatto, Toni, and Toni Veloce - can dynamically respond to the latest emerging trends.

For instance, in response to the growing desire for personalized experiences, our model Toni steps up with its expertise in crafting bespoke cocktails. It delivers tailor-made drinks, perfectly aligning with individual preferences. At the same time, it offers a spectacular edge, as the two arms dance together in harmony, shaking, stirring, and muddling.

Moreover, we know that one of the biggest trends in the industry is the convergence of mixology and coffee culture. Our Toni Compatto model can tirelessly cover taste preferences seamlessly from day to night, ensuring continuous service and offering a fusion of coffee drinks, juices, and cocktails.

Finally, catering to the need for swift yet impeccable service, our Toni Veloce - which means “fast” in Italian - ensures rapid and top-notch service. It can serve up to 250 drinks per hour, which is quite an astonishing number!

Our three robots work really like trend chameleons and can adapt effortlessly to the latest industry shifts. Right now, we’re the only company in this market niche that is capable of putting efficiency, personalization, and quality at the same level of importance. Others talk a lot - we are the ones that deliver, always on time!

As technology continues to evolve, what exciting developments or future projects can we expect from Makr Shakr? How do you see the role of robotic bartenders evolving in the next decade, both within and beyond the scope of Makr Shakr's current offerings?

We have a strong R&D department at Makr Shakr’s factory in our hometown of Turin, Italy - the city that invented the Vermouth! Our team is always looking to stay ahead of trends and loves to dream big. 

As Makr Shakr progresses, advancing the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with our products is one of our next challenges. 

AI holds the promise of expediting decision-making processes for our robotic systems. We can leverage data analytics to interpret customer preferences, historical trends, and real-time interactions – adding a predictive component that can be extremely useful in adapting to each person’s preferences.

Pushing further, collaboration is also a key topic. We imagine various companies and developers joining forces for an even more personalized experience. For instance, our robots could predict your taste using data obtained from your shopping or travel habits and would intelligently recommend drinks tailored to your preferences.

Ultimately, our mission deals with refining the synergy between robots and humans to improve our everyday lives. As the great American historian Lewis Mumford wrote in the 1930s: “The greatest benefit of mechanization is not the elimination of work, but the replacement of a less pleasant job with more creative and with greater added value.”

If you would like to find out more about Makr Shakr, visit https://www.makrshakr.com/