AI-Powered Coffee-Making Robot Ushers in Next Generation of Intelligent Machines
An artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robot that can prepare cups of coffee in a busy kitchen setting offers a glimpse into the future of intelligent machines, according to new research.
The study, published in Nature Machine Intelligence, details the development of a robot capable of interacting with its surroundings in a more human-like way than previous generations of robots. The research team was led by Ruaridh Mon-Williams, a Ph.D. student jointly at the University of Edinburgh, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Princeton University.
The AI-powered robot in action. Credit: Ruaridh Mon-Williams
Combining cutting-edge AI, sensitive sensors, and refined motor skills, the team at the University of Edinburgh created a robot that addresses challenges previously insurmountable for robotic systems. These challenges include unpredictable environments like kitchens.
“We are glimpsing a future where robots with increasingly advanced intelligence become commonplace,” Mon-Williams said. “Human intelligence stems from the integration of reasoning, movement, and perception, yet AI and robotics have often advanced separately. Our work demonstrates the power of combining these approaches and underscores the growing need to discuss their societal implications.”
Traditional robots excel in controlled settings such as factories because they rely on pre-programmed actions. However, the lack of adaptive capabilities has limited their usefulness in more dynamic environments. The Edinburgh team’s innovation allows the robot to interpret verbal instructions, analyze its surroundings, and execute complex tasks like opening drawers it has never encountered.
The robot then measures and mixes coffee and water, adapting to unforeseen events. For example, if someone bumps or moves the mug while the robot is working, the technology allows it to adjust its movements seamlessly.
The team developed the new device using a robotic arm with seven movable joints. The robot can now complete complex tasks in unpredictable environments because of recent advances in sensitive motor skills integrated with AI.
Journal Information: Nature Machine Intelligence (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s42256-025-01005-x
