Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are directed to automated preparation of food or consumable items, such as for preparation of fried foods. An example cooking apparatus may include processing devices for the consumable items. In some examples, a robot arm is provided that extends from a moveable base. Locators may define a relative position of the moveable base relative to processing device(s) of the cooking apparatus, such that the robot arm is configured to determine robot arm movements to move the consumable items to and from the processing device(s). In some examples, one or more zones may be used to detect movement near a robot arm, with one or more restrictions being placed upon robot arm and/or base movement in response. In some examples, a cooking apparatus provides automated transport of food ingredients for preparation of food or other consumable items.

Abstract: An automated food processing system provides consumable items to a temporary storage location such as an enclosure of a food processing device. A seasoning dispensing apparatus is located relative to the enclosure to dispense a seasoning over the consumable items within the disclosure. The seasoning dispensing apparatus includes a metering device that provides a discrete seasoning portion for dispensing and a distributor that uniformly dispenses the discrete seasoning portion over the consumable items.

Abstract: Various example systems and component systems for an automated food processing system are provided. In an example, a food processing apparatus comprises a basket retainer configured to support a basket of consumable items above a food processing device. The food processing apparatus may also include a reciprocating agitator configured to impart a repetitive contact to the basket, thereby inducing motion of the consumable items within the basket. In another example, guidance of a robot performing tasks such as moving a basket of consumable or food items may be enhanced using one or more mechanical guides configured to catch, engage, or otherwise contact a corresponding feature of a basket for the consumable/food items. In another example, one or more sensors may be provided to provide an indication that a robot gripper is within a proximity of a basket and/or handle thereof.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are presented herein for dispensing a frozen food item from storage. A food dispensing apparatus comprises a food storage cabinet, a plurality of storage bins within the cabinet, and a plurality of actuators corresponds to the plurality of storage bins. The food storage cabinet is configured to maintain a plurality of consumable items at a storage temperature. The plurality of storage bins are each configured to hold one of the consumable items. The plurality of actuators are each configured to move the consumable item out of the storage bin to a dispensing area.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are presented herein for slicing a food topping for placing upon a food ingredient. A topping holder is configured to position a topping stock. A blade is configured to slice the topping stock via relative motion between the topping holder and the blade. A deflector is configured to force a leading edge of the sliced portion of the topping stock away from the blade as the sliced portion moves relative to the blade.

Abstract: An integrated front-of-house and back-of-house restaurant operations system integrates automated and manual restaurant operations into an order-based system. The system interfaces with disparate devices and systems to provide order-based monitoring and control of operations within an establishment.

Abstract: An integrated front-of-house and back-of-house restaurant operations system integrates automated and manual restaurant operations into an order-based system. The system interfaces with disparate devices and systems to provide order-based monitoring and control of operations within an establishment.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are directed to automated preparation of food or consumable items, such as for preparation of fried foods. An example cooking apparatus may include processing devices for the consumable items. In some examples, a robot arm is provided that extends from a moveable base. Locators may define a relative position of the moveable base relative to processing device(s) of the cooking apparatus, such that the robot arm is configured to determine robot arm movements to move the consumable items to and from the processing device(s). In some examples, one or more zones may be used to detect movement near a robot arm, with one or more restrictions being placed upon robot arm and/or base movement in response. In some examples, a cooking apparatus provides automated transport of food ingredients for preparation of food or other consumable items.

Abstract: An integrated front-of-house and back-of-house restaurant operations system integrates automated and manual restaurant operations into an order-based system. The system interfaces with disparate devices and systems to provide order-based monitoring and control of operations within an establishment.