Nala Robotics has teamed up with Hatco Corp. to develop a compact fully autonomous robotic pizza-making system designed for commercial markets.
The companies said they will be displaying their joint system at the NAFEM Show next month in Chicago. The system combines Nala Robotics' cooking automation and design technology with Ovention's Shuttle Oven and Hatco's Flav-R 2-Go Pizza Locker System within a 10' x 10' footprint.
Ovention, which develops compact ovens, is a subsidiary of Hatco Corp.
Nala Robotics is based in Arlington Heights, Ill. It develops robotic systems designed for the kitchen, including Pizzaiola, its pizza-making robot system, Spotless, its dishing washing robot system, and The Wingman, its fry-cooking robot system.
Hatco was founded in 1950 and is a manufacturer of food service equipment. Its other brands include ADM, American Range, and FWE. It is headquartered in Milwaukee.
“We are thrilled to be working with Hatco Corporation, which has a long history of delivering exceptional quality products and innovative solutions to a diverse customer base,” said Ajay Sunkara, CEO of Nala Robotics. “This compact solution allows operators to easily increase revenue 24 hours a day, seven days a week with minimal or no additional labor costs.”
How does it work?
The system can be configured to include variations of dough, sauces, and toppings. The AI-based robotic arm selects and presses the dough, adds the sauce, cheese and toppings, and cooks the pizza in an Ovention oven.
The pizzas are then sliced, boxed, and stored in Hatco's Pizza Locker System.
“Our collaboration with Nala Robotics provides a new cooking, storage and delivery solution to meet the changing needs of our customers and the marketplace,” said Casey Reilley, director at Ovention. “Whether it's for a ghost kitchen, convenience store or gas station, consumers are given a greater amount of convenience and flexibility with their food options, while creating additional revenue for operators.”
The locker systems have several custom features including:
- Built-in countertop and floor mount models to fit commercial operations' setups and holding needs
- QR code readers and touchscreen controls that simplify orders from the point of sale for both operators and customers
- Each locker has a timer to hold pizzas for up to 45 minutes, with a preset temperature of 149°F (65°C) and a high-temperature range of up to 180°F (82°C). Heat can be adjusted for ambient food holding
- A variety of Hatco's Designer colors to match décor
“Hatco has been providing innovative solutions to the food service operator since 1950. Our partnership with Nala Robotics and Ovention takes food service innovation to the next level,” said Mark Pumphret, vice president for North American sales at Hatco Corporation. “Our collaborative efforts will continue the legacy of innovation and provide game-changing solutions for our customers.”
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