Dutch startup Eatch has unveiled a groundbreaking automated robotic kitchen capable of producing up to 5,000 meals per day, with the potential to increase this to a staggering 15,000 daily. For the past four months, this innovative kitchen has been serving the Amsterdam market in partnership with food service and catering giant ISS.

The Eatch robotic kitchen platform is a game-changer in meal production, as it handles the entire process from start to finish. This includes oiling the cooking pans, dispensing refrigerated ingredients, adding spices, plating the food, and even cleaning the cooking pans once the cooking process is completed.

What sets Eatch apart is not only its remarkable throughput but also its ability to manage the entire production flow. Most robotic kitchens typically operate at much lower production volumes and often do not include essential steps such as plating and pot cleaning in their automated processes.

Eatch’s CEO, Jelle Sijm, disclosed that the company currently employs around 10 people and has secured €4.5 million in funding. Eatch’s expansion strategy involves collaborating with partners who can handle day-to-day operations, while Eatch provides the automation technology, software, and recipes. The company has its sights set on entering the American market and is already in discussions with US grocery chains and contract caterers.

The Eatch robotic kitchen is built around a pot system, similar to those utilized by other innovative kitchens globally. The kitchen’s tilted pans rotate and toss the ingredients inside, employing an internal peg to facilitate the rotation and dropping the ingredients from the top, simulating the tossing and frying cooking technique commonly seen in stir-fry kitchens.

Eatch’s success in automating large-scale meal production is a promising development in the food technology industry. It showcases the potential for advanced robotics to significantly impact the foodservice and catering sectors, increasing efficiency and productivity while maintaining quality.

The video below offers a glimpse into the Eatch robotic kitchen’s impressive capabilities:

Eatch’s entry into the American market could mark a significant milestone in the automation of meal production, offering a glimpse into the future of high-volume, centralized kitchen operations. As the company continues to develop its technology and partnerships, the food industry can anticipate further innovations that enhance the way meals are prepared and served, making the process faster, more efficient, and increasingly automated.