TL;DR:
- “Thor’s Skyr by Blendid” introduces fully-automated, contact-less smoothie kiosks in San Diego County.
- Patrons can customize orders via the Blendid App or in person, with a digital menu for ingredient adjustments.
- The kiosk can produce 45 smoothies per hour and offers pick-up scheduling.
- These smoothies are made using American-made skyr, a high-protein, sugar, and lactose-free yogurt.
- The decision to use robotics addresses staffing challenges in the food service industry.
- The World’s Strongest Man, Hafthor Julius Bjornsson, is part of the project.
- The kiosk is located in Escondido’s LA Fitness and open to non-gym members.
- Prices for the smoothies range from $8 to $10.
Main AI News:
In a fascinating intersection of technology and health, San Diego County is now home to a groundbreaking smoothie kiosk that marries robotics and artificial intelligence. This innovative creation, known as “Thor’s Skyr by Blendid,” is the brainchild of Thor’s Skyr, the renowned Icelandic yogurt brand, and Blendid, a startup specializing in automated food machines. Together, they have harnessed the power of machine learning and AI to introduce a fully-automated and contact-less smoothie bar, which recently made its debut inside Escondido’s LA Fitness.
Revolutionizing the way we enjoy our favorite fruity delights, “Thor’s Skyr by Blendid” offers patrons a seamless and customizable experience. Whether through the Blendid App or in person, customers can effortlessly tailor their orders to perfection. An intuitive digital menu presents a unique feature, allowing users to adjust the quantity of specific ingredients with a simple swipe of a slider on the screen. Impressively, this cutting-edge kiosk can churn out an impressive 45 smoothies per hour, ensuring swift and efficient service.
However, the convenience doesn’t end there. Customers can also schedule pick-up times using the app, and the kiosk will safely store their smoothies until the appointed hour, eliminating any concerns about freshness. These smoothies are not only crafted with precision but also feature a distinctive twist – they are made using American-made skyr, a special yogurt created through centuries-old Icelandic methods. Skyr, known for its higher protein content and velvety texture, is gaining popularity as a nutritious choice. What sets Thor’s Skyr apart is its unique sugar and lactose-free formula, whereas conventional skyr products typically contain some sugar and lactose.
Thor’s Skyr’s co-founder, Unnar Beck Danielsson, who graced the Escondido launch with his presence, highlighted the historical significance of skyr in Iceland: “In Iceland, there are skyr bars everywhere, and it’s not just for gym goers or fitness fanatics. It is an Icelandic product, basically from the Viking times. It takes five times more milk to produce one cup of skyr than one cup of yogurt,” said Danielsson.
The decision to employ robotics over human hands, as explained by Vipin Jain, CEO and co-founder of Blendid, stems from the challenges of staffing in the food service industry: “It’s very hard to hire labor to work in food service. There are 11 million vacancies in food service in the U.S. Unemployment rate of 3.7%. How do you hire people and retain people to work in food service? And the costs are through the roof. This is the only way to make healthy and delicious food affordable and available 24/7,” Jain stated, underscoring the transformative potential of this technological marvel.
A Star-Studded Launch
Adding to the excitement of the launch, the World’s Strongest Man, Hafthor Julius Bjornsson, took a break from his intense training regimen for the 2024 Arnold Strongman Classic to host a live video Q&A session with the first visitors to “Thor’s Skyr by Blendid.” Thor’s Skyr is not just a brand but a collaboration of talents, including actors Bjornsson, Terry Crews, and Dylan Sprouse, along with Icelandic entrepreneur and restaurant veteran Unnar Beck Danielsson. Bjornsson, recognized for his role as The Mountain on HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” brings his star power to this endeavor.
Conveniently located within the Escondido LA Fitness at 362 West El Norte Pkwy, “Thor’s Skyr by Blendid” is accessible anytime the gym is open, welcoming not only gym members but also the wider community. The prices for these delectable, health-conscious smoothies range between $8 and $10, ensuring that quality nutrition remains within reach for all. Vipin Jain, CEO and co-founder of Blendid, encapsulates the mission behind this groundbreaking venture: “As we continue our mission to make healthier food and beverage options easily accessible, we are giving health clubs a way to offer quick, fresh, and nutritious food options at all hours, without adding to their staffing and operational demands.”
Menu items and a touchscreen are shown at a Thor’s Skyr by Blendid” kiosk in Escondido, which makes smoothies using robotics, machine learning and AI. Source: NBC 7 San Diego
Conclusion:
“Thor’s Skyr by Blendid” represents a pioneering step in the market, demonstrating how robotics and AI can revolutionize the food service industry. The integration of technology not only enhances efficiency but also addresses labor shortages and offers a convenient, healthy dining option for consumers. This innovation has the potential to reshape the future of food service businesses by making quality nutrition accessible 24/7 without adding to staffing and operational demands.
