5 tech things: Sodexo to debut plant-based burger printing robot at the University of Denver

In this special edition of its 5 Things series, Food Management highlights five recent technology-related developments affecting the foodservice world.

Here’s your list for today:

1.    Sodexo to debut plant-based burger printing robot at University of Denver

Sodexo and plant-based 3D printing specialist SavorEat have announced that they will be rolling out SavorEat’s 3D printing robot at the University of Denver. The deployment of the SavorEat Robot Chef marks the first deployment of the Israel-based company’s 3D printing technology in the U.S.

Read more: Sodexo to Deploy SavorEat’s Plant-Based Burger Printing Robot at the University of Denver

 2.    Amazon Just Walk Out store opens in retirement community

Toll Brothers has announced the installation of Amazon Just Walk Out tech at the convenience store within its Regency at Folsom Ranch retirement community in Folsom, California. This makes it the first residential community west of the Mississippi to adopt the solution as part of its on-site resident amenities.

Read more: Toll Brothers taps Amazon Just Walk Out tech for Regency at Folsom Ranch community checkout free store

3.    Amazon Just Walk Out store opens at Florida airport

Delaware North has opened a new convenience store featuring Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology and Amazon One palm-based biometric identity and payment service at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The Market on Las Olas, the first location in a Florida airport to feature Amazon’s checkout-free shopping platform, offers a wide variety of grab-and-go items, including sandwiches, chips, snacks and an assortment of packaged beverages.

Related:5 things: Food rescue nonprofit expands partnership to Cincinnati area schools

Read more: Delaware North unveils store powered by Amazon Just Walk Out technology at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport

4.    A look at the world’s first fully robotic restaurant

What does the future of autonomous dining look like? If you’re in San Francisco, you can catch a glimpse of it in an outdoor food court that hosts the world’s first fully robotic restaurant: Mezli. Although autonomous dining isn’t exactly new, Mezli is the first spot where humans are not involved on site. Robots run the show.

Read more: Welcome to the world’s first fully robotic restaurant

5.    Starship robots look to conquer the globe

Autonomous delivery services firm Starship Technologies, which has a major presence deploying food delivery robots on U.S. college campuses, has agreed a new partnership with European mobility “super-app” firm Bolt, which has more than 100 million customers in over 45 countries and 500 cities in Europe, Africa, West Asia and Latin America. As the initial first step of the evolving collaboration, Bolt and Starship have signed a commercial partnership opening the door to thousands of robots doing Bolt Food deliveries across multiple countries, starting this year.

Related:5 things: Phantom nonprofit operated concession stands at Major League ballpark for years

Read more: Delivery robots company Starship Technologies and mobility app Bolt form new partnership

Bonus: Restaurant technology expert Juan George weighs in on present, future innovation

Contact Mike Buzalka at [email protected]