COLUMBUS – White Castle will introduce a deep-frying robot this fall, joining the growing number of restaurants relying on automation to help out in the kitchen.
Starting this fall, the Columbus-based burger chain will test a robot arm that can cook french fries and corn dogs.
The robot, dubbed Flippy, is made by Pasadena, California-based Miso Robotics.
Robots that can flip burgers, make salads and even bake bread are in growing demand as virus-wary kitchens try to put some distance between workers and customers.
Robot food service was a trend even before the coronavirus pandemic struck.
Chowbotics, which makes a robot called Sally that makes salads, has been used by hospitals and universities to meet demand for fresh, customized options 24 hours a day.
But Chowbotics and others say demand is booming as food service providers seek ways to limit interaction and keep workers and customers safe.