With the festive season just round the corner, it’s time to start putting together your party guestlists, dusting off the Christmas tree that’s been languishing in storage all year, and — if you’re a serious epicurean — planning the menus. Don’t forget the drinks — after all, what fun is a soirée without an endless supply of tipple?
This is where it gets tricky, though. As a holiday host, you’re responsible for not only providing the drinks, but also providing drinks that everybody enjoys. Also, if you’re expecting a big crowd, you’ll need to ensure there are enough bartenders to keep the booze flowing. Taking into how account how stressful and time-consuming this can be, several technology companies have developed smart devices powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that will make this duty easier or completely take it off your hands.
Barsys Coaster
New York-based startup Barsys recently announced the Coaster, a smart saucer that guides the user on how to create a particular cocktail. By connecting the coaster to a smartphone with the complimentary app downloaded, users can choose from Barsys’ existing library of cocktails or input their own recipe. Once a cocktail is selected, the user can simply start pouring ingredients one by one, and with each new alcohol or mixer, the coaster will light up when the correct amount has been added to the glass.
The Barsys Coaster is regularly priced at US$149 (S$203), but interested customers can pre-order it here for US$95 (S$130). The device will start shipping in December.
Barsys 2.0
If the Barsys Coaster requires a little too much manpower for you, you could instead opt for the brand’s Smart Automated Bartender. The device holds up to five bottles, three mixer canisters, and a mixer that can shake or stir drinks accordingly. All you have to do for a drink is connect your phone or tablet via Bluetooth to the Automated Bartender and select a cocktail — the device will take it from there.
The Barsys 2.0 Automated Cocktail Maker retails for US$979 (S$1,333). More details here.
Makr Shakr
The Makr Shakr is for serious party hosts — the setup is extensive. Basically, a whole bar will need to be built for the AI-powered robotic arms to be able to automatically make drinks; however, once up to 158 bottles of spirits are mounted on the ceiling of the structure and the ice machine is installed among other things, party goers can select their cocktail at the tap of a button on their smartphone.
The Makr Shakr will set owners back over US$100,000 (S$137,000).
Yanu
The fully autonomous Yanu robot bartender falls between the Barsys 2.0 and the Makr Shakr. While the structure is also extensive, it is collapsible for transportation. This unit can hold up to 50 bottles of alcohol and mixers and, like the Makr Shaker, it mixes drinks with a robotic arm.
Though the retail price of the model is determined based on client needs, it’s expected to cost well over US$150,000 (S$205,000). Find out more here.
This article was published via AFP Relaxnews.