Human-machine collaborative coffee making and selling methods, systems, and platforms based on robotic arms

Abstract

This invention discloses a human-machine collaborative coffee making and selling method, system, and platform based on a robotic arm. The method includes the following steps: receiving coffee orders and generating a QR code containing order information; the server affixes the QR code to a designated position on the coffee cup and places the coffee cup in the waiting cup slot; scanning the QR code to obtain order information and generating operation instructions based on the order information to control the coffee machine and a first robotic arm; the first robotic arm moves to the waiting cup slot to grab the coffee cup and moves it to a designated position on the coffee machine, where the coffee machine makes coffee; after making the coffee, the first robotic arm moves the coffee cup to the finished product cup slot, triggering a occupancy information and outputting a prompt message. This invention uses a coffee machine and two robotic arms in cooperation, requiring only one server to efficiently make and sell a large number of coffee and beverage orders, improving product production efficiency, reducing labor costs, and retaining the human touch unique to the service industry.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of coffee sales technology, specifically to a method, system, and platform for human-machine collaborative coffee making and sales based on a robotic arm. Background Technology

[0002] The market is increasingly favoring coffee products, especially fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) products. Baristas who make coffee and create latte art on-site are becoming essential staff in coffee shops. However, for stores that need to process large volumes of orders, the consistency of hand-made latte art is affected by factors such as experience, condition, and physical strength, making it inefficient for handling large orders and difficult to keep up with the demand for fast service. In this situation, hiring more baristas increases operating costs, lowers product quality, and damages reputation. A simple replacement with the emerging automated coffee machines offers simple products but lacks the personal touch of a service industry. Therefore, it is necessary to improve existing operational plans to enhance efficiency while maintaining a human touch, thus meeting the needs of FMCG coffee shops. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Purpose of the invention: To address the problem of low efficiency in manual coffee production during coffee shop operations, this invention proposes a human-machine collaborative coffee production and sales method, system, and platform based on robotic arms. Each shop only needs to employ one server to complete order taking and ingredient preparation, while the robotic arm, in conjunction with a professional coffee machine, completes the production, latte art, and delivery of the coffee products. This not only improves product production efficiency and reduces labor costs, but also retains the human touch unique to the service industry.

[0004] Technical Solution: The present invention describes a human-machine collaborative coffee making and selling method based on a robotic arm, comprising the following steps: S1: Receiving a coffee order and generating a QR code containing order information; S2: The server fixes the QR code to a designated position on the coffee cup and places the coffee cup in the waiting cup slot; S3: Scanning the QR code to obtain order information and generating operation instructions based on the order information to control the coffee machine and the first robotic arm; S4: The first robotic arm moves to the waiting cup slot to grab the coffee cup and moves it to a designated position on the coffee machine, where the coffee machine makes coffee; S5: After making coffee, the first robotic arm moves the coffee cup to the finished product cup slot, triggering a placeholder information and outputting a prompt message.

[0005] To further improve the above technical solution, the order information in step S1 includes the order number, coffee type, and pre-added ingredients.

[0006] Furthermore, if the pre-added ingredients in the order information in step S1 are not empty, in step S2, after the waiter fixes the QR code at the designated position on the coffee cup and performs the ingredient addition operation, the coffee cup is placed in the waiting cup slot.

[0007] Further, in step S3, based on the coffee type in the obtained order information, it is determined whether latte art is required. If latte art is required, the operation instruction further includes controlling the second robotic arm. Step S4 includes: the first robotic arm grabs the coffee cup from the waiting cup position and moves it to the extraction position of the coffee machine; the second robotic arm grabs the latte art pot and moves it to the milk foam position of the coffee machine; after the coffee machine finishes making the coffee, the first robotic arm lifts the coffee cup containing the coffee liquid to the latte art position and works with the second robotic arm holding the latte art pot containing the milk foam to perform latte art. Step S5 includes: after the latte art is completed, the first robotic arm moves the coffee cup to the finished product cup position; the finished product cup position triggers the placeholder information and outputs a prompt message; the second robotic arm moves the latte art pot to the cup washer for cleaning.

[0008] Furthermore, the pre-set flower shapes for the latte art are at least three types: heart-shaped, leaf-shaped, and swan-shaped.

[0009] Furthermore, in step S2, the waiter selects the corresponding cup type according to the coffee type in the order information and places it in the waiting cup position. The cup types include small paper cup, medium paper cup, and medium plastic cup. The waiting cup position has at least one cup position for each cup type, and each cup position is equipped with a limiter for the corresponding cup type.

[0010] A robotic arm-based human-machine collaborative coffee making and selling system for implementing the above method includes a frame, within which are an operating table and an activity area. The operating table is equipped with a coffee machine, a QR code printer, a fixed scanning device, waiting cup slots, finished coffee cup slots, a cup washer, and an ordering system. A water purification system and a wastewater system are located under the operating table. A first robotic arm and a second robotic arm are located within the activity area. The coffee machine, QR code printer, fixed scanning device, ordering system, water purification system, wastewater system, first robotic arm, and second robotic arm are all connected to an industrial control computer via wireless communication. The industrial control computer is wirelessly connected to an intelligent control terminal for displaying real-time order quantities, operating revenue, and operational information of the coffee machine, water purification system, and wastewater system. The ordering system generates order information, and the QR code printer outputs a QR code containing the order information. The waiting cup slots are for placing coffee cups to be made, and each cup has a QR code affixing area. The fixed scanning device is located on the side of the waiting cup slots and can scan the QR codes on the coffee cups. The pasting area is scanned; the coffee machine is connected to the water purification system and wastewater system. The coffee machine has an extraction position and a milk foaming position. The extraction position is used to output coffee liquid, and the milk foaming position is used to output milk foam. The first robotic arm can grab a coffee cup from the waiting cup position, move the coffee cup to the extraction position of the coffee machine, facing the latte art position of the second robotic arm, and cooperate with the second robotic arm to perform latte art operation, and place the coffee cup in the finished cup position; the second robotic arm can pick up the latte art pot, move the latte art pot to the latte art position of the coffee machine, facing the first robotic arm to perform latte art operation, and move it to the cup washer to perform the latte art pot cleaning operation; the finished cup position is used to place the finished coffee cup, and outputs a prompt message after recognizing the occupancy information of the coffee cup; the industrial control computer is used to obtain order information from the ordering system, control the QR code printer to print the order information, obtain the order information recognized by the fixed scanning device, generate a coffee making queue, determine whether latte art is required according to the coffee type, and control the scheduling of the first robotic arm, the second robotic arm, and the coffee machine.

[0011] Furthermore, the waiting cup positions are provided with different cup positions for small paper cups, medium paper cups, and medium plastic cups, and each cup position is provided with a limiter for the corresponding cup type.

[0012] Furthermore, the finished cup position is equipped with a photodiode for identifying occupancy information.

[0013] The platform consists of a human-machine collaborative coffee making and selling system based on robotic arms. Each system's industrial control computer is connected to an intelligent control terminal to display real-time order quantity, operating revenue, and operating information of the coffee machine, water purification system, and wastewater system. Multiple intelligent control terminals are connected to a back-end terminal, which displays the real-time order quantity, operating revenue, and product profit percentage of each system.

[0014] Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are: The present invention focuses on the collaborative work of a waiter and a robotic arm in a shared space during the production and sale of coffee products. While ensuring high-efficiency output, it allows customers to enjoy fresh, delicious and affordable coffee products, which can not only bring substantial service effects to customers, but also serve as a new selling point to attract customers.

[0015] This invention improves coffee-making efficiency by introducing human-machine collaboration in coffee shop operations. With only one server required, large quantities of coffee can be made and sold immediately without a barista. This will effectively improve product production and sales efficiency while reducing labor costs. Its subsequent application can promote the affordability of operating costs and rapid expansion of fast-moving consumer goods coffee shops. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is an overall perspective view of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a connection diagram of the water purification system and wastewater system of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 This is an overall flowchart of the method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described.

[0021] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 The illustrated human-machine collaborative coffee-making system includes an electrically adjustable upper housing 1, a movable lower housing 2, and two symmetrically arranged electrically operated lifting columns 3. The upper housing 1 is supported and connected to the lower housing 2 via the electrically operated lifting columns 3. Both the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 have corner surrounds 7 at their four corners. The lower housing 2 has two forklift jack holes 15 or lifting holes at its bottom center. During operation, the electrically operated lifting columns 3 extend, separating the upper housing 1 from the lower housing 2 to form a retail kiosk open on all four sides. When stored, the electrically operated lifting columns 3 retract, merging the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 to form a box-shaped structure with a height of 1700mm, facilitating transportation and storage. The lower housing 2 has casters 5 and two directional load-bearing wheels 6 at its bottom. The casters 5 and the directional load-bearing wheels 6 are triangularly distributed, providing flexible steering, good support, and allowing for single-person, one-handed operation.

[0022] The upper casing 1 is divided into a side-by-side active area and two worktable areas, which are located on either side of the active area. An access door 14 is located on the side of the active area, and electric support columns 8 are located on both sides of the access door 14. The active area is divided into an employee work area and a robotic arm work area. Two robotic arms 11 are fixed to the robotic arm work area via a robotic arm base 16. The worktable area has a table 21, on which are mounted a coffee machine 4, a steam oven 9, a syrup machine 10, a fixed barcode scanner 12, a waiting cup holder 17, and a cup washer 13. Underneath the table are a clean water tank 19, a wastewater tank 20, a robotic arm controller 18, and a socket mounting plate 22. The robotic arm controller 18 is connected to the two robotic arms 11. The waiting cup holder 17 can hold multiple cups and supports different cup types, including espresso cups (100ml small cups), regular 300ml coffee paper cups (medium cups), and 300ml plastic cups (iced drink cups).

[0023] A coffee-making system is constructed by integrating a first robotic arm and a second robotic arm with an Eversys Cameo coffee machine. The first and second robotic arms have serial / Ethernet communication capabilities with the coffee machine, allowing for precise coffee dispensing via an industrial control computer. The first robotic arm is responsible for gripping and placing the coffee cup, as well as holding it during latte art. The second coffee machine is responsible for retrieving the latte art pot, completing the latte art, and cleaning the pot after latte art. At least three preset latte art patterns are available: heart, leaf, and swan.

[0024] With the above configuration, an industrial control computer independently developed using Raspberry Pi technology is used to control the vehicle's lighting, advertising display, electric rising pillars, and other functions via a touchscreen.

[0025] like Figure 3 As shown, the water purification system and wastewater system include a water purification tank, a water heater, a sink, a water purifier, an ice maker, and a wastewater tank. The water purification tank's output port is connected to the water purifier, water heater, and sink. The water heater is connected to the sink. The water purifier's output port is connected to a coffee machine and an ice maker. The wastewater outlets of the coffee machine, ice maker, and sink are connected to the wastewater tank. The industrial control computer can monitor the remaining volume of the water purification tank 19 and the wastewater tank 20 in real time and provide liquid level warnings.

[0026] The industrial control computer transmits data to the management backend via a wireless communication module, which includes 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi communication capabilities. The on-site terminal for real-time system operation data display is a mobile app, primarily displaying data such as real-time water tank and wastewater tank levels, order quantity, and operating revenue for each store. The backend terminal for real-time system operation data display is a large data display screen, primarily displaying macro-level information for overall management, including real-time order quantity, operating revenue, and product profit margin for each store.

[0027] like Figure 4 As shown, the human-computer collaborative coffee making and selling method based on the above system includes the following steps:

[0028] S1. Waiters interact with customers to recommend products and take orders. Based on the customer's order, the waiter selects the corresponding items on the ordering system. After the payment is received in the cashier system, the QR code printer prints a QR code label containing the corresponding order information and a receipt (including the order number). The waiter hands the receipt to the customer, takes the corresponding cup type according to the product ordered by the customer, and then affixes the QR code to a specific position on the side of the cup and the QR code label to a designated position on the cup body.

[0029] S2. For coffees with pre-added toppings (vanilla, hazelnut, chocolate, ice), the server will add the toppings. After adding the toppings, the server will turn around and place the coffee cup in the waiting cup position to serve the next customer. Each cup position is equipped with a limiter for the corresponding cup type, so there is no need to select a specific cup position.

[0030] S3. A fixed scanning module set on the side of the waiting cup position scans the QR code on the cup to identify the product number, cup placement position, cup type and other information, and transmits the identified information to the industrial control computer to enter the production queue. The production order is determined according to the order of entering the queue. The industrial control computer outputs control commands through a preset program to schedule the first robotic arm, the second robotic arm and the coffee machine.

[0031] S4. The first robotic arm takes the corresponding coffee cup from the waiting cup position and moves it to the coffee machine extraction position. The industrial control computer schedules the coffee machine API, and the coffee machine makes the corresponding coffee. After the coffee machine completes the coffee extraction process, it sends a feedback signal to the industrial control computer through the API. The industrial control computer determines whether latte art is required based on the product type. For products that do not require latte art, step S5 is executed directly. If latte art is required, the second robotic arm is scheduled to pick up the milk foam. After the coffee liquid is obtained, the first robotic arm lifts the coffee cup to the latte art position and works with the latte art pot held by the second robotic arm to complete the latte art.

[0032] S5. The industrial control computer schedules the first robotic arm to move the coffee cup to the finished product cup position. It obtains the occupancy information through the photodiode installed at the bottom of the finished product cup position, triggers the prompt system to notify the sales staff to hand it over to the customer, and displays the pick-up information on the prompt device facing the waiter and the pick-up screen facing the customer to notify them to pick up their food. At the same time as the first robotic arm hands over the finished product, the second robotic arm moves the latte art pot to the cup washer for cleaning.

[0033] The first robotic arm, which makes the coffee, is positioned behind the server and facing the customer, allowing for a visual demonstration while preparing the coffee.

[0034] This invention improves coffee-making efficiency in coffee shop operations by introducing human-machine collaboration. With only one server required, it eliminates the need for a barista to immediately produce and sell large quantities of coffee. This includes customer interaction, recommendations, order taking, adding toppings, and product delivery, while the preparation and latte art are handled by robotic arms. There is no spatial separation between the server and the two robotic arms, and they do not interfere with each other. This effectively increases product preparation and sales efficiency while reducing labor costs. Its future applications can drive down operating costs and facilitate rapid expansion for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) coffee shops.

[0035] The on-site terminal for real-time data display of system operation is the mobile APP, which mainly displays specific information for each store, such as the real-time water tank and wastewater tank levels, order quantity, and operating revenue. The back-end terminal for real-time data display of platform operation, which consists of multiple systems, is the big data display screen, which mainly displays macro-level information for overall management, such as the real-time order quantity, operating revenue, and product profit share for each store.

[0036] As described above, although the invention has been shown and described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it should not be construed as limiting the invention itself. Various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A human-machine collaborative coffee making and vending system based on a robotic arm, characterized in that: The system includes a frame, within which is divided into an operating table and an activity area. The operating table is equipped with a coffee machine, a QR code printer, a fixed barcode scanner, waiting cup slots, finished cup slots, a cup washer, and an ordering system. Underneath the operating table are a water purification system and a wastewater system. The activity area contains a first robotic arm and a second robotic arm. The coffee machine, QR code printer, fixed barcode scanner, ordering system, water purification system, wastewater system, first robotic arm, and second robotic arm are all connected to an industrial control computer via wireless communication. The industrial control computer is wirelessly connected to an intelligent control terminal to display real-time order quantities, operating revenue, and operational information for the coffee machine, water purification system, and wastewater system. The ordering system is used to generate order information, and the QR code printer is used to output a QR code containing the order information. The waiting cup slot is used to place coffee cups to be made. The coffee cups have a QR code pasting area. The fixed scanning device is set on the side of the waiting cup slot and can scan the QR code pasting area on the coffee cups. The coffee machine is connected to a water purification system and a wastewater system. The coffee machine is equipped with an extraction position and a milk foaming position. The extraction position of the coffee machine is used to output coffee liquid, and the milk foaming position is used to output milk foam. The first robotic arm can pick up a coffee cup from the waiting cup position, move the coffee cup to the extraction position of the coffee machine facing the latte art position of the second robotic arm, hold the coffee cup in a preset posture at the latte art position, cooperate with the second robotic arm to perform latte art operation, and place the coffee cup in the finished cup position; the second robotic arm can pick up the latte art pot, move the latte art pot to the milk foam position of the coffee machine to obtain milk foam, move it to the latte art position, perform latte art operation by coordinating with the first robotic arm holding the coffee cup, and move it to the cup washer to perform the cleaning operation of the latte art pot; The finished cup position is used to place the finished coffee cup and outputs a prompt message after recognizing the occupancy information of the coffee cup; The industrial control computer is used to acquire order information from the ordering system, control the QR code printer to print order information, acquire order information identified by the fixed scanning device, generate a coffee making queue, determine whether latte art is needed based on the type of coffee, and control the scheduling of the first robotic arm, the second robotic arm, and the coffee machine. The human-machine collaborative coffee making and selling system based on the robotic arm includes the following steps: S1: Receive coffee orders and generate a QR code containing order information; S2: After the server affixes the QR code to the designated position on the coffee cup, the coffee cup is placed in the waiting cup slot; S3: Scan the QR code to obtain order information and generate operation instructions based on the order information to control the coffee machine and the first robotic arm; S4: The first robotic arm moves to the waiting cup position, grabs the coffee cup, and moves it to the designated position on the coffee machine, where the coffee machine begins making coffee; S5: After production is complete, the first robotic arm moves the coffee cup to the finished product cup position, triggers the placeholder information and outputs a prompt message.

2. The human-machine collaborative coffee making and selling system based on a robotic arm according to claim 1, characterized in that: The waiting cup positions are designed for small paper cups, medium paper cups, and medium plastic cups, with each cup position equipped with a limiter for the corresponding cup type.

3. The human-machine collaborative coffee making and selling system based on a robotic arm according to claim 1, characterized in that: The finished cup is equipped with a photodiode for identifying occupancy information.

4. The human-machine collaborative coffee making and selling system based on a robotic arm according to claim 1, characterized in that: The order information in step S1 includes the order number, coffee type, and pre-added ingredients.

5. The human-machine collaborative coffee making and selling system based on a robotic arm according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the pre-added ingredients in the order information in step S1 are not empty, in step S2, after the waiter fixes the QR code to the designated position of the coffee cup and performs the ingredient addition operation, the coffee cup is placed in the waiting cup slot.

6. The human-machine collaborative coffee making and selling system based on a robotic arm according to claim 4, characterized in that: In step S3, based on the coffee type in the obtained order information, it is determined whether latte art is required. If latte art is required, the operation instruction also includes controlling the second robotic arm. Step S4 includes: the first robotic arm grabs the coffee cup from the waiting cup position and moves it to the extraction position of the coffee machine; the second robotic arm grabs the latte art pot and moves it to the milk foam position of the coffee machine; after the coffee machine finishes making coffee, the first robotic arm lifts the coffee cup containing coffee liquid to the latte art position and works with the second robotic arm holding the latte art pot containing milk foam to perform latte art. Step S5 includes: after the latte art is completed, the first robotic arm moves the coffee cup to the finished product cup position, the finished product cup position triggers the occupancy information and outputs a prompt message, and the second robotic arm moves the latte art pot to the cup washer for cleaning.

7. The human-machine collaborative coffee making and selling system based on a robotic arm according to claim 6, characterized in that: The pre-set flower shapes for the latte art include at least three types: heart, leaf, and swan.

8. The human-machine collaborative coffee making and selling system based on a robotic arm according to claim 4, characterized in that: In step S2, the waiter selects the corresponding cup type according to the coffee type in the order information and places it in the waiting cup position. The cup types include small paper cup, medium paper cup, and medium plastic cup. The waiting cup position has at least one cup position for each cup type, and each cup position is equipped with a limiter for the corresponding cup type.

9. A sales platform comprising multiple robotic arm-based human-machine collaborative coffee making and sales systems as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Each system's industrial control computer is connected to an intelligent control terminal to display real-time order quantity, operating revenue, and operating information of the coffee machine, water purification system, and wastewater system. Multiple intelligent control terminals are connected to a back-end terminal, which displays the real-time order quantity, operating revenue, and product profit percentage of each system.

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