AI coffee, anyone? Tao Bin brings robotic vending machine to Malaysia

12 Sep 2023 ---Thailand-based Tao Bin has entered Malaysia with the launch of the Smart Robotic Barista, a machine that employs advanced robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to create multi-flavored drinks such as sodas and smoothies, protein shakes and classics like coffee and tea.

The compact equipment occupies a one-square-meter space and offers over 180 drink choices to consumers.

The machine collects real-time data on usage and ingredients, enabling precise operations optimization to ensure that ingredients are consistently stocked and readily available.

“Through the power of IoT technology, we have the capability to collect real-time data on usage and ingredient levels, facilitating precise operational optimization to ensure the consistent availability of our ingredients.,” notes Moti Utam, chief technology and operations officer of Tao Bin. 

He added that the payment process is convenient, with the company “offering e-wallet options” to pay for drinks.

The product was launched in Malaysia this weekend at an event called "Tao Bin Has Landed” and showed visitors how the machine “creates drinks with precision and speed.”

Adjustable sweetness and sustainability
Worldwide, consumers are becoming wary of the impact of high sugar on their health. This has led to various governments and health centers promoting sugar reduction, Sensient Flavors & Extracts, told Food Ingredients First last month.

Johnson Fung, CEO and Moti Utam, CTO of Tao Bin beside the newly launched Smart Robotic Barista Machine - Tao Bin (Image credit: Tao Bin).With the latest launch, Tao Bin aims to provide consumers with a “personalized experience.” Health-conscious consumers can adjust the sweetness level, ranging from no sugar to 100%, according to individual preferences. 

Further, the company is also focusing on sustainability, with all its cups, lids and straws made from “recyclable materials” like Polypropylene (PP#5). 

Meanwhile, the food industry is turning toward environmentally sustainable product packaging options such as cutting the use of virgin plastic.

Expanding to become the “choice of Malaysia”
Tao Bin started machine installation in the Klang Valley in June 2023 and some of the prominent locations that already have robotic coffee machines include Sunway College, Thomson Hospital, Mahsa University, Nottingham University, MITEC, Lalaport GMB, 3 Damansara, MyKart Tropicana Gardens Mall, private offices and condominiums.

 An interesting characteristic of the machine is that no water supply is necessary from the location. Tao Bin provides its own water to guarantee the “highest quality and consistency of beverages across all locations,” says the company.

With four machines already in operation, the innovator plans to expand further to cities like Seremban, Melaka and Johor. 

“By the end of this year, Tao Bin is committed to deploying up to 250 units of Smart Robotic Barista machines and hope beverages we offer will become the choice of the Malaysian people,” concludes Johnson Fung, the chief executive officer of Tao Bin.

By Insha Naureen