KUKA Robotics has demonstrated Print A Drink, which it says is the world’s first 3D printing technology for drinkable liquids.
Using a KUKA KR AGILUS robot, the technology merges robotics, life sciences and design to inject microlitre drops of edible liquid into a cocktail. Print A Drink can build up complex 3D structures in a wide range of drinks – creating augmented cocktails using natural ingredients.
Print A Drink was founded by Benjamin Greimel and is based in Linz, Austria. Prior to Print A Drink, Greimel was a graduate researcher for Creative Robotics and holds degrees in Industrial Design and Mechatronics.
Despite its advanced innovation, Print A Drink is a flexible process. For the 3D drinks, conventional fruit juices, syrups, water and alcohol can be used. The printing process works without artificial ingredients.
To make Print A Drink technology possible, the system relies on the compactness of the KR AGILUS, a six-axis robot designed for very high working speeds. Different versions, installation positions, reaches and payloads transform the small robot into a precision artist.
For events and exhibitions, Print A Drink is a compact, complete setup with the robotic arm and a mobile bar. Printing a cocktail takes only a minute, so the one robot can print hundreds of drinks per evening. The process works with a variety of different drinks, colors and 3D patterns. It´s also possible to program custom designs for unique cocktail creations.
