Meet Kinny.
The small, white-and-blue robot that slings lattes with efficiency is ready to make your order at Kindled & Grounded, downtown Napa's newest coffee shop.
The robot does not take the orders -- that's handled by a human -- and it doesn't make every drink on the menu. But the bot-rista pours ice, fills cups with syrups and takes just minutes to make a drink.
Courtney and Justin Lester opened Kindled & Grounded -- a coffee and candle-making shop -- at 407 Second St. in February. With a background in artificial intelligence, bringing a robot into their shop made sense.
“We like to let robots do robot things, like make coffee, so humans can do human things,” Justin Lester said. “The robot still needs people. Humans still have to be in the loop. I’d much rather have a human talking to you than standing behind a machine making coffee.”
See the link in our bio to read more.
Story and video by Elsa Cavazos
As someone who enjoys both technology and great coffee, visiting Kindled & Grounded in Napa feels like stepping into the future of café culture. Kinny, the robot barista, handles much of the drink preparation process, such as pouring ice and adding syrups, which speeds up service without sacrificing quality. While Kinny does not take orders or make every drink, its role allows human baristas to focus on customer interaction and crafting those special beverages that require a personal touch. The integration of robotics in coffee making is an exciting development. It combines precision and consistency in drink preparation with the warmth of human service. This model reflects a thoughtful application of artificial intelligence: letting robots do robot tasks so humans can connect with customers. It also highlights how technology can enhance, rather than replace, the social aspects of coffee culture. Moreover, incorporating a robot like Kinny at Kindled & Grounded is not just about novelty; it also improves operational efficiency. For busy coffee shops, speeding up routine steps helps reduce wait times and keeps the café running smoothly during peak hours. Additionally, the robot’s ability to serve matcha and lattes efficiently offers customers quick access to their favorite beverages. From my experience, places that blend technology and personal service stand out in today’s competitive market. They offer a unique story and elevate the customer experience. Kindled & Grounded’s approach of combining a coffee shop with a candle-making space adds to its charm and uniqueness. If you find yourself in Napa, it’s definitely worth stopping by to see how Kinny and the team bring together innovation, community, and great coffee.
