SEOUL -- CJ Freshway, the canteen service and food ingredient distributor wing of South Korea's CJ Group, has partnered with Hanwha Robotics, Hanwha Group's robot-specialized subsidiary, to upgrade the food service value chain through the commercialization of autonomous cooperative robots, also known as collaborative robots.
The adoption of cooperative robots in South Korea is accelerating as more business operators who seek to lower their operating costs are choosing robot workers over humans. Robots are used in canteen kitchens to perform simple repetitive, but dangerous tasks such as stir-frying meat and vegetables or cooking noodles.
According to Grandview Research, a global market research firm, the global market for cooperative robots is predicted to stand at about $1.6 billion in 2023. The Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) estimated that South Korea's collaborative robot market will grow at an annual average rate of 44.1 percent to stand at $36.6 million in 2025.
CJ Freshway said that the company signed a cooperation agreement with Hanwha Robotics to jointly develop and commercialize autonomous technologies and collaborative robots. The newly-developed robots will have the capability to prepare food ingredients, cook menus, serve food, and clean dishes.
"Automation solutions are essential capabilities to increase efficiency and safety in the food service industry and enhance service levels," stressed CJ Freshway CEO Jeong Seong-pil. According to the CJ Freshway CEO, the collaboration between the canteen business operator and cooperative robot developer will create solutions to alleviate labor shortages and lead the evolution of the food service industry.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
