Automation is helping to pave the way for on-demand foodservice choices that are far superior to traditional vending machines. These automated machines provide fresh meals and beverages prepared by robots, offering made-to-order cuisine at any time. RoboBurger, located in New Jersey, presented its first burger vending machine in a mall in March 2022, offering a quick, fresh, and economical solution that includes toasting buns, grilling burgers, distributing sauces, and even washing dishes. Wavemaker Labs, which founded foodservice automation startup Miso Robotics, has raised over $17 million in crowdfunding for Piestro, its automated pizza concept. Piestro anticipates the operators that use its technology to make pizzas that would have profit margins of 40%, while the direct-to-consumer model will have a profit margin of 49%. Jamba collaborated with foodservice automation technology startup Blendid to develop the Jamba by Blendid kiosks, which launched in March 2019 at the University of San Francisco. Local employees maintain and replenish the kiosks, and consumers may order personalised smoothies using tablets attached to the machine.

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