Major convenience store chain Lawson is introducing cooking robots for the first time to automatically make fried rice and stir-fried vegetables.
In a demonstration, reporters showed the robot cooking vegetables in a kitchen area at the back of the store. The robot, designed to replicate the movements of a professional chef, can prepare hot meals like fried rice and stir-fries on demand.
Starting July 22, a Lawson store will begin offering these freshly made dishes, which are ready in about five minutes after ordering.
Lawson representative Takahiro Shiono explained, “With labor shortages and changing customer needs, we want to provide new product value by offering freshly cooked meals, similar to what restaurants do.”
Other chains like 7-Eleven are also focusing on freshly prepared items, such as made-to-order melon bread and pizza, aiming to expand such services nationwide.
As labor shortages continue, convenience stores are turning to automation to meet demand and attract new customers.
by MagazineKey4532