Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province on the Chinese mainland recently welcomed its first AI-driven dining concept: the 24 Solar Terms AI Robot Restaurant, which opened for trial operations this month. By blending cutting-edge robotics with the ancient wellness philosophy of the 24 solar terms, the restaurant aims to offer a dining experience that's both novel and nourishing.
Inside the futuristic space, more than a dozen robots handle everything from cooking to service. Cleaning robots glide seamlessly along the floor, while food-delivery robots weave between tables carrying steaming dishes. At the heart of the kitchen, a noodle-cooking robot grips fresh noodles and lowers them into boiling water with mechanical precision, ensuring a perfectly al dente bite every time. At the same time, a dedicated coffee robot rotates its tray to pour milk and add sugar with pinpoint accuracy, crafting each cup to order.
The menu is designed around the wellness principles of the 24 solar terms—an ancient Chinese calendar system that divides the year into seasonal segments and guides dietary choices for optimal health. Diners can enjoy dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients, from warming soups for chillier terms like "Great Cold" to lighter salads during "Grain in Ear." This fusion of tradition and technology aims to cater to both curious tech enthusiasts and those in search of healthy, convenient meals.
For young global citizens and tech-savvy diners, the restaurant offers a glimpse into the future of food service. Entrepreneurs and innovators visiting from across G20 nations can see how robotics and sustainability blend in a real-world setting. Meanwhile, travelers and digital nomads passing through Hangzhou might find that this robot-run diner is the perfect spot for a quick, smart meal in a city known for its scenic canals and vibrant startup scene.
As trial operations continue, the restaurant team plans to gather data on ordering patterns, peak hours, and dish popularity. This data-driven approach will help fine-tune both the robotic processes and the menu lineup before a full-scale launch. If successful, the 24 Solar Terms AI Robot Restaurant could become a model for AI-driven dining across the Chinese mainland and beyond.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
