KUKA and Areas drive the catering revolution with Artificial Intelligence at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat airport

KUKA is part of the innovative SELF project, the world's first robot restaurant with artificial intelligence (AI). The robotic restaurant has now been opened at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the integration of artificial intelligence and robotics in the food industry.

6 March 2025

Innovation and cutting-edge technology

Developed in collaboration with Areas, Spain's leading multinational travel restaurant company, and other technology partners, SELF represents the culmination of years of research and development. Equipped with a robotic arm from KUKA, the restaurant uses advanced artificial intelligence and machine vision to optimally manage and deliver orders. This technology enables SELF to operate autonomously, adapting in real time to the needs of the environment and improving efficiency and service quality.

Advantages of Artificial Intelligence in the Food Industry

The implementation of Artificial Intelligence in SELF offers multiple benefits:

Operational Efficiency: The ability to manage up to six orders simultaneously and the optimisation of inventory and procure-ment ensures fast and accurate service.
Consistent Quality: Machine vision technology allows SELF to maintain high quality standards in every preparation, ensuring freshness and accuracy in every order.
Personalized Experience: Collaboration between robots and staff allows for a more personalised and efficient service, enhancing the customer experience.
Sustainability: SELF incorporates energy efficient systems and uses recyclable materials, aligning with the sustainability commitments of KUKA and Areas.

A revolutionary future in the world of airport catering

The opening of SELF at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport not only redefines the airport dining experience but also sets a new standard for the food industry. Robotics and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing the way food is prepared and delivered, offering unprecedented levels of efficiency, precision and personalization. These technologies enable optimal resource management, reducing waste and improving sustainability.

The robotic restaurant SELF has now been opened at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport.

‘We are excited to be part of this pioneering project that combines our advanced robotics technology with artificial intelligence to deliver a unique dining experience. This is just the first step towards a future where automation and AI will completely transform the food industry, raising the standards of efficiency, quality and personalisation’, highlights Fernando Sanchez, CEO of KUKA Iberia.

Collaboration between robots and humans not only improves operational efficiency but also frees staff to focus on tasks that require a human touch, such as customer service and personalization of service. This technological breakthrough is a crucial step towards the future of foodservice, where innovation and technology work together to deliver a superior gastronomic experience.