Can a Robot Wok Hei?: Ai and Robotics in Restaurants
If you have ever been in the kitchen of a busy restaurant, you would be familiar with the sounds of cooks shouting over the clangs of metal hitting metal. The brigade works as one, timing each dish to come out to order, weaving through one another with warnings of HOT!, CORNER! and BEHIND! Already one of the more hard-knock work environments, the post-pandemic hospitality industry is grappling with labor shortages, rising labor costs and a physically demanding work environment that can require between 45-60 hours per week. For chefs, this means staffing their team is an agonizing chore that takes their attention away from menu development. As the availability broadens, more restaurants are exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics can offer relief.
AI technologies and robotics are making their way into professional kitchens, providing solutions for repetitive tasks and enhancing overall efficiency. A recent visit to a test kitchen showed us just how far this technology has come, particularly in the realm of Asian cuisine. We watched as a robot—using AI to control heat, timing, and technique—prepared stir-fried dishes with remarkable consistency. But the question remains: can a robot truly replicate the elusive wok hei—the signature “breath of the wok” that gives dishes their uniquely smoky, charred flavor?
The human touch in cooking, with its nuances and expertise, remains irreplaceable in many respects. These emerging tools complement the work of chefs, particularly in addressing some of the more pressing operational challenges. AI and robotics have proven capabilities to streamline workflow, automate menial tasks, reduce idle time, quickly consolidate information and improve communications in the hospitality industry. Equipment maintenance and functionality can respectively present new, unexplored challenges for restaurant managers. Regardless, the urgent need for change is making their adaptation an imminent probability.
A robot utilizes Ai to stir-fry food during a demonstration for restaurant professionals
Labor Shortages and Operational Efficiency
One of the most critical issues facing kitchens today is the scarcity of skilled labor. Recruiting and retaining kitchen staff has become increasingly difficult, particularly in markets where the labor pool is shrinking. Skilled employees that can handle volume are in demand as managers attempt to get the most out of their labor spends. Unfortunately, the pandemic saw many of these professionals leave the industry while the entry rate for new workers also declined. The effectiveness of AI-driven kitchen technology, such as the kind demonstrated in the test kitchen we visited, can step in to help fill the gap
Restaurant robots handle repetitive tasks—like stir-frying, deep-frying, or sautéing—freeing up chefs to focus on creativity, leadership, and more complex culinary techniques. They provide valuable support by executing a reliable product in exact timing and addressing workflow issues, such as too much downtime or monotonous manual labor. A cook can oversee multiple robots while completing tasks that require more finesse. Artisanal techniques can be practiced and perfected while a machine takes on the mindless stirring of a risotto. Nurturing a passion for food is the ultimate accomplishment, as any chef will tell you, and making time for it is essential.
The consistency these machines offer is also notable. Robots, guided by AI, can continuously deliver the same level of quality in each dish. Catering chefs looking to maintain high standards of food quality can deliver dishes to the exact minute for their event hosts. Chain affiliated restaurants can ensure the exact same product is being tasted at all their locations. By automating key processes, kitchens can operate with smaller teams, ultimately reducing labor costs while maintaining—and even improving—efficiency.
An Ai robot cooking food by heating and mimicking the movements of stir-frying.
Ergonomics and Safety in the Kitchen
Kitchens are notoriously challenging environments for staff. Long hours, high heat, repetitive motions, and heavy lifting can take a physical toll. These environments can eventually lead to burnout or injury and create scheduling issues for managers. AI-powered robots offer a practical solution by handling some of the most physically demanding tasks. In the test kitchen, we saw a robot capable of managing the high-intensity heat and fast-paced motions required for stir-frying—a task typically hard on human workers. What would be great physical exertion from a cook is now a simple movement, reducing stress and redistributing their concentration. This not only improves working conditions but also makes kitchens safer and more ergonomic.
By delegating such physically taxing roles to machines, restaurants can reduce the risk of injuries and create a more sustainable work environment for their staff. Commercial equipment replacing hard labor is not a new concept, think large mixers and food processors, so we know that the industry can embrace forward movement. Ultimately, this can lead to better job satisfaction and a healthier workforce, key factors in reducing turnover in a high-stress industry.
It is important to keep in mind that operating machinery poses potential safety hazards as well, so staff must be thoroughly trained for the responsibility. Making sure that equipment is serviced regularly, well-maintained and has all guards in place can prevent workplace injuries. Upkeep can be costly, though many manufacturers offer warranties on purchases and maintenance contracts for their leases.
A human worker retrieves cooked food from Ai robot before prompting a self-clean cycle
Profitability and Productivity
From an operational standpoint, AI and robotics can significantly boost productivity. By automating time-consuming tasks, kitchens can increase their output without compromising quality. Furthermore, these automated devices frequently operate more quickly and accurately than people. This not only shortens preparation times but also increases consistency, allowing for smoother operations during peak hours.
The precision offered by AI systems minimizes food waste, a notable feature for owners who are worried about rising food costs. These technologies allow for exact control over ingredients, cook time and portions, which directly impact a restaurants bottom line. While there are various robots on the market addressing these needs, one that stood out during our visit was Botinkit. It’s one of several AI-driven kitchen solutions helping businesses streamline operations and enhance profitability. Botinkit uses cloud based recipes to update menus across multiple locations, ensuring accuracy in preparation and taste while diversifying offerings. By using a sensor to measure weight, inventory is easily tracked down to the gram. After completing the meal, the Botinkit fully sanitizes with a self-steam cycle.
The expense of purchasing state of the art equipment may be out of budget for many operators, but there could be an argument made for their ROI. Restaurant customers are expecting consistency, one that may not always be promised when employee turnover is high. Self-cleaning features reduce the need for a dishwasher to be scrubbing sauté pans throughout service. Food waste reduction gives more in the budget for training employees into their next role. Looking at the figures over time can determine if the investment is justified.
An ai powered restaurant robot dispenses spices while cooking food
The Role of AI in Cooking
While robots may not yet be capable of delivering the same wok hei that experienced chefs bring to the table, AI and robotics are solving real problems in kitchens today. From easing labor shortages to improving working conditions and boosting productivity, these innovations are paving the way for a new era in food preparation. Stakeholders in restaurants would be wise to ask if automation can ease pressures in their industry.
It’s important to note that AI isn’t here to replace chefs but to support them, allowing culinary teams to focus on the artistic and creative aspects of their work. Technology like Botinkit and others are just the beginning. As AI continues to evolve, we may find ourselves closer to solving that age-old question: can a robot truly wok hei? While it might not yet be able to capture the full magic, it’s already transforming how we think about kitchen efficiency, safety, and the future of food production.
An Ai robot stir-fries food and dispenses spices using automated settings
LEVELS is a hospitality creative agency based in Kuala Lumpur.
We deliver holistic, end-to-end consultation, creativity, and execution that disrupts the ordinary to provide world-class hospitality solutions for our clients. Since 2020, we have launched over 75 hospitality projects across three continents. From initial market research, to concept development, we make recommendations using a hospitality lens on current trends, competitive landscape and industry trajectory.
