Robots may soon rival human chefs in delivering delicious dishes, and Shenzhen-based startup Botinkit is determined to prove it. As automation and AI revolutionize industries from manufacturing to logistics, Botinkit sees an untapped opportunity in the culinary world.

Shirley Chen Rui, Botinkit’s founder and CEO, envisions a transformation in the restaurant industry. Having struggled with maintaining consistent food quality and finding skilled chefs during her eight years running a restaurant, she realized robots could bridge this gap. “The kitchen is one of the largest global industries because everyone needs to eat,” Chen explains. Yet, it remains deeply traditional—something Botinkit aims to change.

Their flagship product, Omni, is a robotic kitchen assistant capable of stir-frying, stewing, seasoning, and even cleaning with minimal human intervention. Operators can select recipes on a touchscreen interface, making professional-level cooking accessible to anyone. Powered by AI, Omni ensures precise temperature control and seasoning accuracy, and Botinkit is also exploring AI-driven recipe creation to cater to evolving customer tastes.

Beyond convenience, Omni addresses practical challenges. Botinkit estimates that its robots can reduce restaurant labor costs by 30% and minimize food and seasoning waste by 10%. For restaurants looking to scale globally, robotic kitchens ensure consistent quality, supporting better franchise management.

However, Chen emphasizes that Botinkit isn’t pursuing full automation. “Cooking inherently requires a human touch,” she says, advocating for collaboration between humans and machines to enhance the culinary process.

Botinkit has rapidly expanded, operating in 19 countries with Asia as its largest market. The company recently raised $21 million in a Series A+ funding round and is eyeing Europe and the U.S. for further growth. While Chinese markets are more familiar with digital kitchens, automation could alleviate acute labor shortages in overseas markets.

Chen predicts that within a decade, restaurants will embrace digital kitchens where robots handle operations, leaving humans to focus on creativity and adding personal flourishes to dishes. Botinkit’s vision promises to redefine the future of dining, blending technology with tradition to create a harmonious partnership between chefs and robots.