Paving The Way For AI Robot Bartenders
is Richtec Robotics’ Scorpion
Replacing the human elements of a bartender was always going to be a tall task,
but the Scorpion does guarantee a unique and thrilling experience.
27 June 2025
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Powered by NVIDIA technology, Richtech Robotics’ Scorpion utilises A.I. to create a stunning drink service experience.
| Photo credit: Richtech Robotics
While the sight of a robot bartender remains a novel one, the bar industry on a whole does utilise Artificial Intelligence to optimize operations. From supply chain optimization to predictive inventory analysis, AI has been mainly tending the back-end needs of bars, until now. Enter the Scorpion, Richtech Robotics’ one-armed mixologist with an interactive AI-driven personality that promises an entertaining drink service and an unforgettable experience.
Simply put, it’s the newest and hottest reason to sit at the bar, and industry leaders are taking notice.
In September 2024, alongside the Scorpion’s launch, Richtech Robotics announced a distributor agreement of 500 Scorpions over the next five years with Park 34 Liquor Store Inc., owner of the famous 1936 Wines and Spirits store in New York City. As the industry continues to battle a global labour shortage, it could prove to be a shrewd move by both parties.
“The combination of AI-powered customisation and efficient service that Scorpion offers will bring a new level of innovation to the beverage industry,” said Damian Phillip, Vice President of Park 34 Liquor Store Inc. “We believe this partnership will not only further augment customer experiences but also provide a competitive edge to businesses looking to modernise their operations.”
The Bionic Bar, built by Makr Shakr, is aboard nine of Royal Caribbean Cruises’ top vessels and remainsone of
the oldest andmost famous “robo-bars”. | Photo credit: Makr Shakr
Robot Bar Service
As far as robot bar service is concerned, Makr Shakr’s Bionic Bar is probably the world’s most famous. Since as far back as 2014, the two-armed “robo-bar” has been sailing the high seas, leaving holiday-makers with wide tippled smiles aboard nine of Royal Caribbean Cruises’ top vessels. Today, Makr Shakr’s robot bars are in operation around the world from Las Vegas to Torino and Singapore’s Changi Airport – in addition to their fleet of nine sailing the globe.
Richtech Robotics’ ADAM mixing a cocktail, as seen on the season 3 premiere of Hulu’s The Kardashians. | Photo credit: Richtech Robotics
Richtech Robotics, meanwhile, has also been innovating in the robot-service space over the last 18 years with its ADAM robot at the forefront, one of which is deployed at its flagship store Clouffee & Tea in Las Vegas where it recently served its 16,000th drink in just over four months of operation. Predecessor of the Scorpion, it is a bigger, cuter, two-armed mixologist, barista, and bubble tea maker. Notably, it does employ AI but not to the extent of the next-gen Scorpion. While ADAM can interact with customers and personalising drink orders, it is Scorpion’s AI personality that truly sets it apart.
On top of its advanced service and ability to “go viral”, the Scorpion is also designed to save costs and generate revenue for companies.
| Photo credit: Richtech Robotics
The Scorpion
Powered by NVIDIA accelerated computing and technologies, the Scorpion uses an advanced AI camera technology that is capable of interpreting gestures and facial expressions in real time, enabling an ‘intelligent awareness’ to form intriguing responses while interacting with bar-goers. It considers a customer’s drink preferences and, remarkably, current mood to form a unique and memorable experience culminating in the perfect cocktail, coffee, or wine.
In an example shared by Richtech Robotics’ YouTube page, a martini-loving customer tells the Scorpion that it is his birthday. The robot then recommends a martini with an elderflower liqueur, explaining how it would complement the botanical notes in gin while also providing some novelty as a birthday surprise.
The Scorpion creates and serves an average of one drink a minute, and can work with up to 20 ingredients per layout.
| Video credit: Richtech Robotics
A major AI advantage to the Scorpion is its ability to create stunningly precise cocktails, measuring and mixing ingredients with an error margin of just 0.5% – a practical impossibility for a human bartender working against the clock. Speaking of time, the Scorpion can dispense and serve an average of one drink a minute and is capable of working with up to 20 ingredients. Its spatial awareness algorithm allows it to adapt seamlessly to various workspaces, while its ability to support four languages allows it to adapt to multicultural markets.
Photo credit: Richtech Robotics
As society grows more fond of A.I. and the initial trepidation towards it gradually dissipates, it only bodes well for innovators like Richtech Robotics – and they know it, having purchased a 20,000 square-foot plot in April 2025 to expand its headquarters. Also, On June 30, the company signed a sales agreement valued at over $4 million with Beijing Tongchuang Technology Development Co., Ltd. To expand their ADAM, Scorpion, and Titan product lines.
Replacing the warmth and familiarity of a human bartender was always going to be a tall task, and it remains to be seen if the Scorpion can indeed accomplish it. One thing that is guaranteed though is that the Scorpion does provide its own unique bar service with ultra-efficiency that cumulates into an invigorating and indelible experience that will get customers jostling for that seat at the bar once again.
Author: Julianna Hedger
Julianna is a seasoned content specialist who started her writing career in unscripted television production and broadcast news at FOX Sports Asia and the Associated Press. She has since added various writing skills to her repertoire, such as long-from articles, SEO-driven blogs and social media copywriting. She is driven by her personal passions in content creation, food and sports media.
