ByDash Inc. said it is acquiring robotics startup Chowbotics, indicating that interest in automating food production is greater than ever before.
The companies did not disclose the terms of the deal, The Wall Street Journal reported earlier Monday. Chowbotics was valued at $ 46 million in 2018, when it last raised money, according to data company PitchBook.
Chowbotics’ technology can prepare salads and poke bowls, among other things, and DoorDash is exploring how it could be deployed in restaurants, a person familiar with the matter said. Ideas include using the technology to help restaurants expand their menu – such as enabling a pizzeria to offer salads – or allowing a salad bar to try new locations – an airport kiosk, for example – without needing more manpower is needed.
“We are working on solutions to help merchants grow in an ever-challenging and changing landscape, and with Chowbotics we hope to improve that level of support,” said DoorDash in a blog post announcing the acquisition. The company said Chowbotics had installed its meal-making robots in hundreds of locations, including universities, hospitals and supermarkets.
While automating food production can save restaurants time and costs, it’s unclear how receptive diners are to these technologies.