Coffee-making robot ‘glimpse into future where intelligent machines commonplace’

19 March 2025, 00:04

A white robot arm holding a kettle, pouring hot water into a cup being held out by a human
Robot_kettle. Picture: PA

Researchers said the robot could find a mug by working out how to open drawers with mechanisms it had never encountered before.

An AI-powered robot that can make cups of coffee in a busy kitchen provides a glimpse into “a future where increasingly intelligent machines are commonplace”, a new study suggests.

The robot was developed by a team at the University of Edinburgh, who said it was capable of carrying out “skilful interactions” with objects and people, and adapting to unforeseen events.

Traditionally, robots have relied on pre-programmed actions and responses, meaning they are good at working in tightly-controlled settings such as factories but struggle in less predictable places such as kitchens.

We are glimpsing a future where robots with increasingly advanced intelligence become commonplace

Ruaridh Mon-Williams, University of Edinburgh

Researchers said the robot, which consists of a robotic arm with seven movable joints, is able to interact with its surroundings in a “more human-like way” thanks to cutting-edge AI, sensitive sensors and fine-tuned motor skills.

The team explained the process by which the robot was able to make a cup of coffee in an “unpredictable” kitchen setting.

It begins, they said, with the robot interpreting verbal instructions and analysing its surroundings.

Robot arm in kitchen
The robot consists of a robotic arm with seven movable joints (Ruaridh Mon-Williams/PA)

Next it searches the kitchen to find a mug by working out how to access drawers with opening mechanisms it has not encountered before.

Finally, it measures and mixes ground coffee from a jar with water from a kettle.

The researchers said the technology behind the robot meant it could adapt to unforeseen events, such as if someone bumped or moved the mug unexpectedly while it was working.

They said the study showed the “power” of combining AI and robotics, with developments in these areas having previously taken place largely independently of each other.

Human intelligence stems from the integration of reasoning, movement and perception, yet AI and robotics have often advanced separately. Our work demonstrates the power of combining these approaches

Study lead Ruaridh Mon-Williams

Study lead Ruaridh Mon-Williams, from the University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics, said: “We are glimpsing a future where robots with increasingly advanced intelligence become commonplace.

“Human intelligence stems from the integration of reasoning, movement and perception, yet AI and robotics have often advanced separately.

“Our work demonstrates the power of combining these approaches and underscores the growing need to discuss their societal implications.”

The research, published in the journal Nature Machine Intelligence, was supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

By Press Association

More Technology News

See more More Technology News

People ride an upward escalator next to the Dior store at the Icon Siam shopping mall on June 12, 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Luxury fashion giant Dior latest high-profile retailer to be hit by cyber attack as customer data accessed

A plane spotter with binoculars from behind watching a British Airways plane landing

‘Flying taxis’ could appear in UK skies as early as 2028, minister says

Apple App Store

Take on Apple and Google to boost UK economy, think tank says

A survey of more than 1,000 employers found that around one in eight thought AI would give them a competitive edge and would lead to fewer staff.

One in three employers believe AI will boost productivity, research finds

Hands on a laptop showing an AI search

One in three employers believe AI will boost productivity, research finds

Music creators and politicians take part in a protest calling on the Government to ditch plans to allow AI tech firms to steal their work without payment or permission opposite the Houses of Parliament in London.

Creatives face a 'kind-of apocalyptic moment’ over AI concerns, minister says

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria, Uganda

Chimps use medicinal plants to treat each other's wounds and practice 'self-care' as scientists hail fascinating discovery

Close up of a person's hands on the laptop keyboard

Ofcom investigating pornography site over alleged Online Safety Act breaches

The Monzo app on a smartphone

Monzo customers can cancel bank transfers if they quickly spot an error

Co-op sign

Co-op to re-stock empty shelves as it recovers from major hack

The study said that it was often too easy for adult strangers to pick out girls online and send them unsolicited messages.

Social media platforms are failing to protect women and girls from harm, new research reveals

Peter Kyle leaves 10 Downing Street, London

Government-built AI tool used to cut admin work for human staff

In its last reported annual headcount in June 2024, Microsoft employed 228,000 full-time workers

Microsoft axes 6,000 jobs despite strong profits in recent quarters

Airbnb logo

Airbnb unveils revamp as it expands ‘beyond stays’ to challenge hotel sector

A car key on top of a Certificate of Motor Insurance and Policy Schedule

Drivers losing thousands to ghost broker scams – the red flags to watch out for

Marks and Spencer cyber attack

M&S customers urged to ‘stay vigilant’ for fraud after data breach confirmed