Appetronix Expands Horizons with Acquisition of Cibotica, Enhancing Automated Kitchen Capabilities

Appetronix, a pioneering startup based in Toronto, focuses on developing fully automated robotic kitchens located in high-traffic areas such as airports and universities. The company has recently acquired Canadian robotics firm Cibotica, which specializes in automated ingredient dispensing and portioning technologies designed for salad bowls. The financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed.

Broader Culinary Offerings Ahead

This strategic acquisition is set to enable Appetronix to expand its culinary offerings beyond pizza into diverse cuisines, including Asian noodles, Mexican burrito bowls, and coffee. The first robotic kitchen that will integrate technologies from both Appetronix and Cibotica is anticipated to launch later this year.

“Having collaborated closely with the Cibotica team over the years, we have witnessed their groundbreaking technology address real operational challenges. Their successful partnership with [the salad counter at] MOTO Pizza in Seattle serves as testament to their innovative capabilities,” stated Appetronix CEO Nipun Sharma.

“Their integration into the Appetronix family empowers us to scale new culinary formats more swiftly while highlighting that the food robotics sector can produce significant exits for visionary founders.”

Optimizing Kitchen Efficiency

Launched in 2020, Appetronix introduced its first automated pizza kitchen in partnership with the renowned pizza brand Donatos at Columbus International Airport, aiming to establish 3–4 additional locations by the end of the year. With the imminent rollout of new machines catering to Asian noodles, burrito bowls, and coffee, Appetronix continues to enhance its operational footprint.

In this collaborative venture, Donatos serves as the franchisor, while airport concession manager HMSHost acts as the franchisee responsible for maintaining and restocking the machines. Appetronix provides the necessary technological framework, operating on a revenue-sharing model among the parties involved.

Cibotica, founded in 2021, has created a versatile dispensing platform that not only automates salad bowl assembly but also integrates seamlessly with existing kitchen ordering and prep systems. Capable of assembling up to 300 bowls per hour, the platform potentially reduces labor costs, minimizes food waste, and enhances throughput capabilities during peak service times, according to Sharma.

The Future of QSR Robotics

Sharma emphasized that the most promising developments in the QSR robotics field will come from companies that create automated systems from the ground up, rather than retrofitting existing kitchens.

“Through this acquisition, we can now offer our existing clients an ancillary robo-makeline service. However, the main advantage lies in our ability to merge resources for exponential improvement in efficiency and speed,” he added. Notably, components of Cibotica’s dispensing technology can now be utilized within Appetronix’s standalone robot kitchens.

With plans to launch Mexican burrito bowls in September, which require unique dispensing mechanisms, the acquisition is expected to expedite development processes significantly.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Sharma also revealed that Appetronix has two additional robotic pizza kitchens ready to deploy in hospitals in Columbus, with plans to keep the first few units in that area for labor force optimization. Each new machine represents an incremental advancement over the previous model, increasing capacity from 50 pizzas to 150 pizzas with improved cooking technologies.

“Our focus is on enhancing capacity while minimizing operational footprints and expediting processes. Our team includes top industrial designers, ensuring that future machines will have a different visual appeal. The food quality is excellent, and the operational convenience is exceptional, with 24/7 service. The future challenge will be to elevate the overall customer experience,” he remarked.

Capital Efficiency and Future Funding

Sharma noted that Appetronix has been prudent with its financial resources, acquiring Cibotica through a combination of cash and equity, and forming strong partnerships with manufacturing companies and suppliers who are also investors in the company.

“We have sufficient capital for the next 18 months and plan to secure a larger funding round by year-end,” added Sharma. “Several companies in the hardware sector have exhausted significant capital without generating tangible value, whereas Cibotica has effectively stretched its resources and achieved remarkable outcomes without extensive funds.”

Further Reading

• Appetronix raises $6m to scale robotic kitchens: ‘Quick service is going to get more and more automated’
• Breaking: Chef Robotics raises $43m Series A to scale AI-enabled robotics in meal assembly
• Meet the founder: Hyphen’s Stephen Klein on ‘humbling’ startup experiences, pandemic pivots, and why you don’t need a robotic sledgehammer to crack a nut