DoorDash Inc. said it is acquiring robotics startup Chowbotics, signaling a growing interest in automating food production when orders are high.
The companies did not disclose the terms of the deal, which The Wall Street Journal reported on 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 bowls, among other things, and DoorDash is exploring how to deploy it in restaurants, said a person familiar with the matter. Ideas include using technology to help restaurants expand their menu – such as allowing a pizzeria to offer salads – or allowing a salad buffet to try new locations – an airport kiosk, for example – without the need for more staff. constructions.
“We are working on solutions to help traders grow in an increasingly 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 has installed its meal-eating robots in hundreds of locations, including universities, hospitals and supermarkets.
While automating food production can save restaurant time and costs, it is not clear how potential customers are receptive to these technologies.