Florida-based AI-powered convenience store chain Re-Up is installing autonomous robotic chefs to enhance its food service.

The Wingman from Nala Robotics is an autonomous fry station that can be added or configured to any restaurant or commercial food service operation.

Re-Up will leverage Nala’s artificial intelligence technology, enabling customers to enjoy freshly prepared, customisable, fried chicken, fries and other menu items on demand, quickly easily and without human intervention.

The announcement comes on the heels of Re-Up’s grand opening of its inaugural location in Melbourne, Florida, located just 2.4km from Melbourne Orlando International Airport. Re-Up has nine open stores and more than 30 in the pipeline.

Nala Robotics’ AI-enabled virtual kitchens are equipped with sensors, precision cooking mechanisms and machine-learning algorithms, allowing its robotic chefs to prepare a wide range of menu items autonomously with consistency and efficiency. In addition to on-premises ordering via a multi-modal kiosk, restaurants can create virtual storefronts for remote transactions through a web site or online food ordering and delivery platform.

The integration of the Wingman into Re-Up’s convenience stores should enable faster service, reduced wait times and enhanced food quality, improving the overall customer experience.

“As the c-store for the new generation, offering clean and healthy alternatives to the traditional convenience retail experience, we are thrilled to partner with Nala Robotics,” said Michael Salafia, managing director of Re-Up. “By harnessing the power of AI, we are able to provide our customers with convenient, personalised, and safe shopping and dining experiences. We believe this ground-breaking concept will revolutionise the way people shop and fuel up.”

Narendra Manney, president of Re-Up, added: “Our expansion efforts at Re-Up are proceeding at an accelerated pace. We aim to procure 25 to 30 additional stores by the end of 2024 and more than 200 stores in the coming years. The integration of robotics kitchens stands as a pivotal strategy in our modernisation initiative, enabling us to enhance operational efficiency and deliver seamless services while upholding unwavering quality standards around the clock.”

And Ajay Sunkara, CEO of Nala Robotics, said” “Our agreement with Re-Up underscores both companies’ commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction and will deliver better outcomes for both operator and consumer. The Wingman doesn’t get sick, can work around the clock and can cook any dish efficiently all the time, improving on quality and saving on labour costs. At the same time, customers get to choose from an assortment of great-tasting food items just the way they like it.”

Re-Up (reupfuel.com) is a petrol station and convenience store retail operator with more than 30 stores in the pipeline, positioned for accessibility and convenience across Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Nala Robotics (nalarobotics.com) makes autonomous robots for cooking multiple cuisines including American, Chinese, Indian and Thai. Based in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Nala Robotics has offices in California, India and Ukraine.

The see the Wingman in operation, look at: vimeo.com/750563660.