restaurant automation

Restaurant Automation Systems and FDA-Compliant Components

Complete system or individual components with no minimum order quantity

igus® offers a broad range of motion plastic components and robot systems. We would be happy to advise you on your specific application and present you with an automated restaurant solution that is as lean as possible. Save time and money with innovative catering equipment. The requirements of automation solutions in catering are multifaceted. They range from pick-and-place or shifting solutions in food distribution to barista robots to automated product removal for electronic ordering systems.

Most cases involve additional criteria such as the following:

  • No machine downtime
  • Food-compatible (FDA-compliant) components  for such items and robot grippers that are directly in contact with food
  • Cost-effective, lightweight components with ROI that is as fast as possible, especially for small businesses
  • Simple robot system implementation and operation for those unfamiliar with IT

Customer Applications

Automated cocktail machine

Self-lubricating igus® linear actuators in an automated cocktail mixing device

A start-up company in Friedrichshafen, Germany has invented the "CocktailAvenue", a machine that mixes cocktails. This is a new, although somewhat exotic, area of use for automation technology. Also used: igus® linear actuators and cable carriers.

Cocktail machine

Maintenance-free dosing of mixed drinks

This manus® contribution is demonstrated in a completely new product: a fully automatic cocktail machine. At the push of a button, "The Qube" mixes cocktails and long drinks from up to 12 bottles.

Corrosion-resistant coffee machine

Corrosion-resistant linear guide for coffee machines

This coffee machine brews coffee at the perfect temperature. A drylin® N low-profile linear guide system routes the hot water through the machine into the coffee filter. The decisive factors for choosing the plastic guide were its resistance to corrosion from water and water vapour and its smooth movement with absolute freedom from lubricants.

Lubrication-free bearings for coffee grinders

Self-lubricated plain bearings for coffee grinders

The grinder grinds coffee beans into very fine powder. To ensure optimum ground coffee quality, the grinder mechanism must operate consistently and precisely. The bearings must also be very strong and not become clogged with coffee dust. Self-lubricated iglide® plain bearings can do all this.

Lubrication-free bearings for pizza vending machines

Bearing components in a pizza vending machine

This innovation from the fast food sector can bake a deep-frozen, pre-baked pizza within two minutes and serve it to the customer. Among other things, the machine features a new type of infrared high-performance oven. The pizzas are stored in a deep-frozen state. All bearing components used must therefore function at -20°C.

Browse Applicable Parts

robolink® DP 4 or 5 DoF robotic arms

robolink® DP


  • High flexibility: wide choice of end effectors
  • Lightweight, self-lubricating, dirt-resistant
  • ROI after four to seven months
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drylin® W profile guide

drylin W profile guide


  • 14 rail profiles, 50 carriage versions
  • Maintenance-free and self-lubricating
  • Resistant to dirt, dust and humidity
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drygear® Apiro modular gearbox

drygear Apiro


  • Application temperature: +5 °C to +50 °C
  • Suitable for splash water applications
  • Lightweight and self-lubricating
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iglide® A181 plain bearings

Food-compliant plain bearings


  • Complies with FDA and EU regulations
  • Good media resistance
  • Universal application
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PRT slewing ring

PRT-01


  • Simple installation, high rigidity, wear-resistant
  • Replaceable, maintenance-free sliding elements
  • Available in aluminum or 316 stainless steel
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E2 micro e-chain® cable carriers

e2.1


  • Quick, easy filling
  • Integrated brake for smooth, quiet running
  • Low installation space, small bend radii (28mm)
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Engineer's Toolbox

Watch Episode 5 of our Science Friction Podcast below.  Hosts Adam and Avory speak with Justin Rooney from Dexai Robotics about their flexible robotic arm (and sous chef), Alfred. Designed with self-lubricating iglide® PRT slewing rings, Alfred uses different utensils to help prepare meals, such as salads and steaks, in commercial kitchens.  To stream the audio on your preferred platform, click here   .

Browse More Restaurant Automation Applications

Barista robot

Barista robots for café automation

Learn More
Kitchen automation

Automated Kitchen and Food Service

Learn more

Looking to Speak with an Automation Expert?


Whether you're interested in turnkey, fully assembled solutions or looking to build your own customizable project, let us assist you with a solution based on your specific application and requirements. Contact us via the form below or call us at (800) 521-2747  to discuss your project today!