International design and innovation office CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati has designed the first mass-market robotic bartender for Makr Shakr, the world’s leading producer of automated cocktail makers. 

Makr Shakr 3.0 will act as a modular robot that can concoct infinite drink combinations and is now available for rent or purchase on the market. The robotic bartender is a new app-controlled machine, Makr Shakr 3.0, features two mechanical arms which can precisely prepare and serve any drink in seconds –  shaking, stirring and muddling with coordinated, dance-like movements. 

This newest robotic bartender is a major upgrade from Makr Shakr’s prior Bionic Bar, which over the last three years has served close to one million cocktails on the most prestigious Royal Caribbean cruise ships and in malls and hotels internationally. 

With its light format and more affordable cost, Makr Shakr 3.0 is an ideal choice for restaurants, bars and private homes alike. This summer, it will be in action in a series of pop-up events touring around Europe. Furthermore, it will be the main feature of a summer club centered on innovation in Turin, Italy.

Makr Shakr 3.0 aims to show how technology can empower people, ushering in a new drinking experience. Using Makr Shakr’s exclusive mobile app, users can either select premade recipes developed by international bartenders, or create and name brand-new, customized cocktails of their own. The drink-mixing robot can skillfully manage more than 170 bottles of different spirits hanging from the ceiling of the bar structure, concocting an infinite number ofdrink combinations.

"Makr Shakr 3.0 explores the new dynamics of social creation and consumption – "design, make, and enjoy" – allowing users to design their own cocktail creations, while digitally controlled machines transform their ideas into reality," said Carlo Ratti, professor of the practices of urban technologies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Founder of Makr Shakr "As robots might transform the workplace in the future, it is important to put them in people’s hands."

Makr Shakr 3.0 is a versatile machine that can be personalized and integrated into any existing space. With its modular structure – a base unit of 3x3x3 meters – it can give shape to endless configurations. Furthermore, it can be incorporated within a bar’s counter, used in freestanding mode or installed in any open-air location. 

This newest version features a sleek Corian counter as well as an illuminated wall that displays data about current orders, queue time and usage statistics, providing a visually engaging background. 

The two robotic arms carry out different tasks: while the first arm is in charge of complex operations – shaking, stirring and muddling – the second arm gives its support by pouring drinks. Such a technical solution optimizes waiting time while also offering a range of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.

The robotic machine can be controlled with an app. From their mobile phones, users have the possibility to name their own recipes, access their order history and reorder their favorite cocktails, while rating, commenting and sharing each other’s creations. They can gain inspiration by viewing other users’ recipes and comments before sending in their drink of choice. The app allows people to make their cocktails and safely pay cashless.

Configurations

Makr Shakr 3.0 is also available in a portable unit which can be rented for temporary events. This lighter version features all the standard technical capabilities, including ice machine, lemon and lime cutter, and mint dispenser.

"Until today, Makr Shakr has been operating with large, expensive machines. That is why we are very excited to present Makr Shakr 3.0 – a compact robot which represents a technological feat on which our mechatronic engineers have been working for more than two years," said Emanuele Rossetti, CEO at Makr Shakr: 

"In the last few years, Makr Shakr has entertained thousands of people around the world at high-end locations. With our latest robot, for the first time, this technology is about to enter our bars and homes."

Launched in 2014, Makr Shakr has since become an independent company, serving close to one million cocktails to thousands of people internationally. The robots’ movements were modeled on the gestures of Italian choreographer Marco Pelle from the New York Theatre Ballet. Mr. Pelle’s movements were filmed and used as inputs in programming the robots’ animation. Industrial versions of MS’ bars are permanently installed aboard five Royal Caribbean cruise ships, while other editions can be seen in Las Vegas, Nevada and Biloxi, Mississippi.

Makr Shakr 3.0 will be available for purchase at a starting price of 99,000 Euros.

Project facts

Project name: Makr Shakr 3.0 The Robotic Bartender

A project by Makr Shakr

Designed: CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati

Technical support: Kuka, Cia Automation and Robotics, Sintexa, SMC, Keyence, Wurth, Pac Team, Google Cloud

All images © CRA graphic team

> via Carlo Ratti Associati