Behind the innovations: CFIP HOSTELERIA LEIOA

Advanced Manufacturing – What was the motivation to start developing this product?

Ibon Andraka – The main motivation was to explore how collaborative robotics could be integrated into gastronomy, a sector where automation is still limited. We wanted to free professionals from repetitive tasks, improve working conditions and ensure greater consistency in results. In addition, as a training centre, we saw an opportunity to prepare our students in the use of technologies that will be key in their professional future.

A.M. – Can you tell us about the product development process, and any anecdotes or stumbling blocks that got in the way?

I. A. – The process began by contacting companies specialising in robotics, such as BR5, and combining their technology with the Mimcook paella makers. We designed a system that would allow easy interaction between robots and people.

One of the main challenges was to create an accessible interface so that users could program recipes without the need for computer knowledge. This meant extending both the budget and the initial timeline. There were also technical challenges: robots do not improvise and every movement had to be fine-tuned to the millimetre. Despite these challenges, the collaboration between the technical team and the teacher was essential to overcome them.

A. M. – What is the technology behind this innovation?

I. A. – The basis of the technology includes cobots (collaborative robots) combined with Mimcook automated paella cookers. The latter fine-tune the cooking parameters, while the cobots manage specific tasks, such as adding ingredients and stirring the rice. The entire system is controlled by an action block interface, which allows customisation of recipes and ensures consistent results.