Abstract: A robotic beverage server configured to take a beverage order, prepare the beverage or mixture of beverages, and serve the beverage to a consumer. The robotic beverage server may include a robot, a controller connected to the robot, and a beverage supply adjacent to the robot. The robot may be configured to approximate a physical representation of a human body comprising a torso, a head, and multiple robotic arms, and wherein the head comprises a multi-pixel display panel configured to display graphic or textual representations thereon. The controller is configured to transmit display data to the display panel. The robot is also configured such that the robotic arms cooperate with the beverage supply to serve a beverage or mixture of beverages from the beverage supply.

Abstract: A workpiece positioner is provided which is adapted to move a workpiece from a load/unload zone to a work zone spaced from the load/unload zone. The workpiece positioner comprises a first stationary frame, a second frame coupled to the first frame so as to be rotatable relative to the first frame about a first axis, a first drive device for effecting rotation of the second frame about the first axis, and a first workpiece holder adapted to releasably receive a workpiece. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the first holder is rotatably mounted to the second frame so that the workpiece holder and the workpiece are maintained in a substantially constant orientation relative to the first frame as the second frame is rotated about the first axis. In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, the workpiece positioner further includes a second drive device coupled to the second frame so as to move with the second frame.