Makr Shakr opens latest robotic bar in London

Makr Shakr, the world’s leading producer of robotic bars founded by MIT professor Carlo Ratti, is currently taking up residency at the Barbican, London until 26 August 2019, to coincide with the exhibition AI: More than Human.

Makr Shakr at the Barbican

One of the latest Makr Shakr editions, Toni is on display at the Barbican as part of its AI: More than Human exhibition. Installed on Level G, Toniserves a variety of classical cocktails and mocktails, including More than Human which has been created to pay homage to the current exhibition. On 7 August at 6pm, Toni will also challenge its human counterparts to make the perfect Negroni in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Italian classic cocktail.

Makr Shakr shows how technology can empower people and create a new drinking experience in a stunning location. Using Makr Shakr’s exclusive mobile app, users can either select pre-made recipes developed by international bartenders, or create and name customised cocktails of their own.

Makr Shakr shows how technology can empower people’, comments Emanuele Rossetti, CEO of Makr Shakr. ‘It is not about replacing humans with robots but allowing robots to be extensions of our arms. In short, YOU are the bartender.’

Toni at the Barbican (Photo © Krishanti)

‘Industrial robots are going to change the global workforce, but many people have never had the opportunity to see them – let alone interact with them’, adds Carlo Ratti, founding partner of CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati firm that designed the system. ‘Our motivation is in creating novel opportunities for people to interact with new technologies.’

Launched in 2014 from the innovation and design practice CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati founded by MIT professor Carlo Ratti, Makr Shakr has since become an independent company serving over one million cocktails to thousands of people internationally. Industrial versions of Makr Shakr’s bars are permanently installed aboard six Royal Caribbean cruise ships, while other editions can be seen in the US (Las Vegas and Biloxi), France and the UK.