Robots from China to cook and serve in US  

中國首批餐飲機器人將赴美國“掌勺”中國菜

File photo: Robot restaurant in Harbin. (China News)

Harbin (ECNS) -- Diners in the US will have the chance to taste Chinese food prepared by robot chefs and waiters from China.

Chef the cook, Bumblebee the greeter, and Fatty, the waiter, are among the first robots to go overseas and cook Chinese food for American customers.

"Not all Americans are used to authentic Chinese cuisine, so we're sending robots there to make standard American Chinese food," said Liu Hasheng, general manager of Harbin Seahawks Robot Co., Ltd.

The company is cooperating with two American restaurants that will open a robot-themed restaurant, and build a factory in the US to assemble parts shipped from China.

A representative said the move could help standardize Chinese food and let the world know about China's robot industry.

Countries like the US and Japan have a developed robot industry mainly for military and industrial use. China's robots, which excel in the service industry, are able to conduct a set of jobs such as cooking and serving.

China opened its first robot restaurant in May 2012. Located in Harbin, the restaurant employs 22 robots. It plans to add another 10 to make ice cream and serve beer ahead of the coming International Ice and Snow Festival in the city.

Liu said cost and time saving robots will become a trend, with most households to have their own robots in a decade. The company wants to produce 2,000 robots by 2015, while it develops automatic frying machines for household use.