Jack in the Box Inc. will begin testing Miso Robotics’ Flippy 2 frying robot and Sippy automatic beverage dispenser.
The fast-food chain will deploy the technologies at one of its standalone locations in San Diego, with possible plans for further integration in the months ahead, Miso Robotics said.
Jack in the Box said it hopes the technologies will help it address continued staffing challenges impacting operating hours and costs. Miso Robotics’ Flippy 2 and Sippy technologies both use artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision and data analytics to help commercial kitchens operate efficiently.
“This collaboration with Miso Robotics is a stepping-stone for our back-of-house restaurant operations,” Jack in the Box Chief Operating Officer Tony Darden said in a statement. “We are confident that this technology will be a good fit to support our growing business needs with intentions of having a positive impact on our operations while promoting safety and comfort to our team members.”
Jack in the Box will test the integration of Flippy 2 and Sippy into its operations and measure their benefits, with the goal of seeing an immediate impact on employees’ day-to-day responsibilities — spending less time at the fryer and drink stations and more time in front of customers.
“Beginning our journey with a premier brand like Jack in the Box is an enormous step in our commitment to helping restaurants increase throughput, reduce costs and create a safer environment for their staff,” added Miso Robotics CEO Mike Bell.
Miso Robotics’ other AI-driven technologies includes its CookRight Coffee system being tested by Panera Bread and an automated tortilla chips maker being tested by Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Pasadena, Cailfornia-based Miso Robotics is primarily funded by individual investors and has about 18,000 shareholders. The company has raised more than $50 million in crowdfunding to date and is currently in its Series E round, which kicked off with a market valuation of $500 million.
San Diego, California-based Jack in the Box (Nasdaq: JACK) operates and franchises more than 2,200 restaurants in 21 states and Guam.
