Abstract: An automated beverage generating system is provided. The system comprises a dispensing mechanism from an ingredient for producing a specified beverage is dispensed, one or more electromechanical actuators operatively coupled to the dispensing mechanism and configured to effect movement of the dispensing mechanism in one or more directions, and a controller electrically connected to the one or more electromechanical actuators and configured to control the operation thereof. In response to receiving a request to produce a specified beverage, the controller is configured to control the operation of at least one of the one or more electromechanical actuators to cause the dispensing mechanism to move in at least one of the one or more directions.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the ordering and generation of a beverage. The system and method are configured to receive an electrical signal in response to the activation by a second user of an electronic link corresponding to a recipe for the beverage shared by a first user. The system and method are further configured to generate a user interface having a user-selectable or user-inputtable order field for allowing the second user to order the beverage. The system and method are still further configured to receive an order for the beverage responsive to a user input made via the order field, and The system and method are yet still further configured to command the generation of the beverage responsive to the receipt of the order, and to effect the presentation of the beverage to the second user at a specified pickup location following the generation of the beverage.