Beijing recently issued the first catering business license to a type of robot, pioneering regulation of embodied intelligence application in the country's catering industry amid rapid development in the sector.

Unlike single-task robots, such as pancake-making or noodle-cooking machines, the embodied intelligence robots developed by EncoSmart Technology, a Beijing-based company, can cook different types of cuisine.

The robots, which look like robotic arms, can also keep learning to create new menus and avoid safety risks based on the working environment.

"Artificial intelligence is an inevitable trend in the food and beverage industry," said Xia Pingping, head of the catering department of the Haidian District Market Regulation Bureau, which granted EncoSmart the city's first food business license for its embodied intelligence robots.

"Before issuing the license, we rigorously examined the product to ensure it complies with national food safety regulations. The robot design prioritizes safety, from hardware materials to software algorithms," she said.

Tian Yan, head of smart project development at EncoSmart, said: "We've already deployed our first-generation robot offering fried food in certain office buildings in Haidian. By the end of the year, we plan to expand the services to chain restaurants, rolling out robots capable of making ice cream, drinks and salads."

A report issued by the Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau in April highlighted challenges in the local restaurant industry, including high rents, labor costs and ingredient prices, coupled with low profits.

Tian said she believes that embodied intelligence technology can help reduce costs, streamline food processing, and meet consumer demand for precise and consistent flavors.

"Our goal is to make consumer-grade robots more affordable and accessible," she said. "Safety is the core. Our robots can learn through algorithms to improve heating efficiency in order to make the food more tasty. The sensors on robots can monitor the temperatures of oil in order to avoid any kitchen fire risks."

Chen Zhen, CEO of EncoSmart, said the company would tap the overseas market in the following two years, starting with two major robot products aimed at Western catering markets.

"The overseas market has great opportunities, but it's also pretty challenging," he said. "It's essential for us to obtain the product certifications and win the trust of the clients there."

To address new challenges facing food safety, the State Administration for Market Regulation revised the measures for the administration of food trade licensing, which now include provisions for automated food service devices. The measures took effect on Dec 1.

Haidian district is leading AI-driven food safety regulation, setting standards for embodied AI in food processing, including basic safety, system design, food hygiene and operational norms, filling a regulatory gap in the AI-powered catering industry.

AI food safety oversight differs from traditional restaurant regulation, said Duan Xing, head of the market regulation office in Haidian's Huayuanlu subdistrict.

"Our approach focuses on three areas, including process and equipment control to guarantee smooth operation, as well as data control to maintain traceability throughout," Duan said.

A report released at the 2024 Beijing Catering Brand Conference noted that 4,842 new restaurants were registered in the city in the first half of the year, with an average of 26.5 new restaurants opening daily. While overall restaurant consumption remains stable, the industry is undergoing rapid change, requiring businesses to enhance their resilience and quality.

Wang Xinwei, deputy secretary-general of the Beijing Branch of the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry, said, "The first embodied AI robot food business license signifies that this cutting-edge technology is quickly entering the food and beverage market, allowing for large-scale commercialization and reducing the complexity of recipe replication and chef hiring."

"While the spread of embodied AI robots may increase short-term employment pressure, in the long run, they will drive the restaurant industry toward greater intelligence, creating new jobs. The key is balancing technological progress with social responsibility to ensure harmonious economic and social development," Wang said.

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