carlo ratti associati + makr shakr launch nino, the first mass-market robotic bartender

in collaboration with the world’s leading producer of automated cocktail makers makr shakr, international design and innovation office carlo ratti associati (CRA) has designed the first robotic bartender catered for the mass market. called ‘nino’, the new app-controlled machine features two mechanical arms which can precisely prepare and serve any drink in seconds — shaking, stirring and muddling with coordinated, dance-like movements. 

nino is a major upgrade to makr shakr’s prior bionic bar, which over the last three years has served close to one million cocktails on the most prestigious royal caribbean cruise ships, in malls and hotels internationally. with its light format and more affordable cost, nino aims to show how technology can empower people, ushering in a new drinking experience. with the makr shakr’s mobile app, users can either select premade recipes developed by international bartenders or create and name customized cocktails of their own. the CRA-designed robotic arm can manage more than 170 bottles of different spirits hanging from the ceiling of the bar structure, concocting an infinite number of drink combinations.

‘nino explores the new dynamics of social creation and consumption – ‘design, make, and enjoy’ – allowing users to design their own cocktail creations, while digitally controlled machines transform their ideas into reality’, says carlo ratti, urban technologies professor at the massachusetts institute of technology (MIT) and founder of makr shakr. ‘as robots might transform the workplace in the future, it is important to put them in people’s hands.’

with its modular structure — a base unit of 3x3x3 meters — nino can give shape to endless configurations and be incorporated within a bar’s counter, used in freestanding mode, or installed in any open-air location. the set features a sleek corian counter as well as an illuminated wall that displays data about current orders, queue time and usage statistics, providing a visually engaging background. the two robotic arms carry out different tasks:  while the first arm is in charge of complex operations — shaking, stirring, and muddling — the second arm gives its support by pouring drinks. such technical solution allows to optimize waiting time and also offering a range of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.

nino is also available in a portable unit which can be rented for temporary events. this lighter version features all the standard technical capabilities, including an ice machine, lemon and lime cutter, and mint dispenser.