U.S. fast-food chains add automation to boost speed

FILE PHOTO: Starbucks cups are pictured on a counter in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., February 16, 2022. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo

(Reuters) - From robotic grills to faster blenders with custom ice and milk dispensers, major U.S. restaurant chains including Starbucks, Domino's, and Chipotle are touting new technologies to automate production, cut labor costs and potentially boost profit margins.

Starbucks said it plans to roll out a coffee-making machine, the Siren System, in around 10% of its stores starting next year. Starbucks claims that baristas using the machine will be able to produce a drinks with less time and fewer steps, making a grande mocha frappucinno in 36 seconds rather than 87 seconds.