SAN FRANCISCO – This week, Cafe X Technologies unveiled its first robotic cafe in the United States that combines machine learning and robotics, “aiming to eliminate the variabilities that bog down today’s coffee experience,” notes the company in a press release.

Working closely with local coffee roaster partners, Cafe X can consistently serve its customers in seconds. The inaugural machine is in downtown San Francisco’s Metreon shopping center, a highly trafficked area that will serve as the blueprint for future U.S. Cafe X locations.

In partnership with WMF, an international manufacturer of fully automatic coffee machines, Cafe X Technologies has developed a fully automated robotic cafe that integrates hardware and software that blend the functionality of baristas with specialty coffee preparation methods. Cafe X says that it sets itself apart by removing the on-site wait time, the potential for preparation error and the unexpected variability, setting a new standard for automation technology and the specialty coffee service industry.

“I’ve long been a big coffee consumer and there’s never a guaranteed seamless experience,” says founder and CEO Henry Hu. “In today’s world, you have two options for getting a cup of coffee: You’re either in and out with something subpar, or you’re waiting in a 15-minute line for a great cappuccino. I started Cafe X to eliminate that inherent compromise and give people access to a tasty cup of coffee consistently and conveniently.”

Customers can order customized espresso-based beverages at the ordering kiosk, or they can download the Cafe X app onto their mobile device to order in advance. Once the beverage is ready, customers use the touch screens on the robotic cafe to type in a 4-digit order number, which is either sent via text message or displayed on the Cafe X mobile app for iOS and Android. The Mitsubishi robot arm will then identify the customer’s drink from the waiting stations and deliver it to the customer within seconds.

“This won’t replace baristas or the coffee shop experience that so many people have come to love—we don’t aim to do that,” Hu says. “What we’re offering is the best possible experience for people who are looking for consistent specialty coffee to-go.”

Cafe X works with its roaster partners to source specific premium ingredients and create unique drinks that can be programed into the cafe’s automated coffee systems. Cafe X currently partners with AKA Coffee, Verve Coffee Roasters and Peet’s Coffee. 

“There’s an entire segment of the consumer population that’s not buying coffee because it doesn’t fit into their present moment,” says John Laird, CEO of AKA Roasters. “We’re truly excited to partner with the Cafe X team to expand to those customers we might not otherwise reach.”

Menu prices start at $2.25 for an 8-oz. cup and will vary depending on customer’s coffee bean selection, which includes single origin options.