Based at the Spice shopping mall in Rīga, the barista takes the form of a powerful mechanical arm trapped within a glass booth from which it is not difficult to imagine the robot eventually breaking free and declaring robot dominion over the earth.
Until that happens it will content itself with serving "freshly roasted coffee and more than 20 other drinks, quickly and accurately completing the order in front of the customer and bystanders".
The total investment in the project amounts to EUR 150,000, which must also make this the most expensive barista in the Baltic states, and not even one who can make small talk about last night's football match or the prospects of finishing his degree in sociology while making your desperately-needed coffee.
“Although robot baristas are already common around the world and many travellers can see them in airports and other public places, until now this technology has not been available in Latvia and other Baltic states. We are delighted to be the first to bring this solution here. Have fun and enjoy!” said Linda Prūse, Member of the Board of Virši.
