Beijing has issued its first batch of catering business licenses for cooking robots, a move aimed at introducing innovative consumer experiences and boosting the use of industrial robots in the food service sector.

To promote the use of industrial robots in the consumption sector, the Beijing Municipal Market Regulation Administration has developed specific examination standards for automatic equipment in the catering industry.
"For the new models emerging in the catering industry, we have created tailored examination standards based on the features of the automated equipment. By providing high-efficiency and high-quality examination and approval services, we can help businesses launch their equipment in the market as soon as possible,” said Yuan Jing, Deputy Director of the Food and Beverage Division at the Beijing Municipal Market Regulation Administration.
To strengthen food safety management, the authority has also issued guidelines for enterprises covering system establishment, staff management, microorganism control, and the transportation and storage of raw materials.
These initiatives have accelerated the introduction of new consumer experiences in the market. Currently, a smart beverage station featuring robot services has been launched at a subway station in Beijing, attracting a lot of citizens.
This station provides a variety of cold and hot drinks for customers, and it offers a fully automated experience - from ordering to pick-up - and reduces waiting times to just 60 seconds.
"For operators, this system reduces labor, decoration, and rent costs," said Wang Zirui, manager of the smart beverage station.
Following the successful debut of similar stations at four subway stations on Line 19, officials expect the expansion of smart consumption stations in various transportation hubs and business facilities.
"We have established self-service stations offering beverages, food, flowers, luggage storage services, and trendy toys along the Yanfang Line, Daxing Airport Express, and Line 19. In addition, we have set up six comprehensive convenience shops to provide a range of commercial services for passengers during their travels," said Lu Yutong, Vice President of BII Railway Transportation Technology Holdings Company Limited.