Design and Implementation of an Automated Robotic Bartender Using VDI 2206 Methodology

Today, robotics has made remarkable advances in a number of industries, including the food and beverage sector. One area of particular interest is the development of an automated bartender capable of efficiently preparing cocktails and drinks. In this context, a state-of-the-art robotic bartender has been designed and implemented following the VDI 2206 methodology, developed by the Association of German Engineers (VDI). This methodology has allowed a more precise definition of the product and accurate estimations in all phases of the mechanical, electrical, and electronic design, and for the mechanical design of the robotic bartender, it prioritizes a solid and safe structure to support the weight of the bottles and components while focusing on an attractive design to improve the user experience. The system features precise sensors to detect and measure ingredients and intelligent control algorithms to ensure accurate dosing. The user interface is intuitive, allowing for uncomplicated cocktail selection and drink customization, and Proteus software was used for the electrical and electronic design, which facilitated extensive simulation and debugging. The system incorporates a PIC16F877A microcontroller to manage and coordinate various functions such as sensors, actuators, and communications. Finally, the pilot implementation has demonstrated the system's effectiveness in preparing a wide variety of cocktails with reduced preparation time. The robotic bartender can produce 10–12 cocktails every 10 minutes, which improves the productivity of the establishments and benefits both bartenders and customers.