CaliExpress is reshaping the dining experience by integrating state-of-the-art kitchen robots and artificial intelligence (AI). Business owner Vic Aulakh proudly claims that it's the first time such an advanced combination of technology has converged in a single location, marking a significant leap forward in the restaurant industry. At the forefront of this culinary evolution are two remarkable robots—Cucina's grill robot and "Flippy," a creation by Miso Robotics, specializing in frying tasks. These machines, capable of churning out 250 pounds of French fries and 100 burger patties per hour respectively, operate tirelessly without the need for breaks or days off, addressing the challenges of finding human labor for demanding and potentially hazardous roles in the kitchen.

Aulakh emphasizes the safety aspect, stating, "We can't get enough people to come out and work on the fryer and grills. They're dangerous jobs, and this automation helps solve a lot of those issues we're having." Beyond the kitchen, CaliExpress employs AI in its ordering system, featuring facial recognition software by Pop ID to streamline food choices and payments. Although the system creator emphasizes that it's not intended for surveillance, the technology undoubtedly represents a shift toward more efficient and personalized customer service.

Despite the automation, CaliExpress plans to retain a human touch with only two "back of house" employees responsible for adding finishing touches to each meal. In a state where the minimum wage for fast-food workers is escalating to $20 per hour, the reduced need for human staff becomes an attractive proposition for businesses, even though it sparks debates about potential job displacement. Aulakh defends the approach, noting, "It does reduce some jobs, but there are so many more jobs created with the technology as well as maintaining this technology." Recent studies have explored the economic feasibility of AI in the workforce. A government report from December 2023 identified AI as a potential threat to financial stability, citing that 82% of restaurant jobs could be handled by robotics. However, a study from MIT this week argued that, in most cases, AI doesn't make economic sense for the necessary work.

Both Flippy and the grill robot are rented, with technicians providing 24/7 monitoring. In the event of malfunctions during meal times, technicians can take control of cooking manually. Aulakh remains optimistic that the robots will enhance the overall taste of the restaurant's offerings, ensuring each burger is cooked precisely the same way every time. As CaliExpress pioneers this technological frontier, it sparks conversations about the evolving relationship between automation, employment, and the future of dining establishments in an era of rapid technological advancements.