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Commercial Kitchen Equipment
How AI is Reshaping Commercial Kitchens
AI in Commercial Kitchens
In the latest Food Service Rep Podcast, Caterlink’s Business Development Manager Angus McNamara explored how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way commercial kitchens operate. He discussed the Botinkit AI-driven kitchen robot, a new solution that is redefining consistency, efficiency, and menu flexibility across the foodservice sector.
From mining camps to aged care, hospitals, and hospitality venues, Botinkit is helping operators meet growing demand for consistent, high-quality meals with fewer skilled staff on hand.
Bringing AI into the Kitchen
The rise of Artificial Intelligence has rapidly changed the pace of technology in foodservice. Automation now extends beyond ordering systems and smart ovens, influencing how meals are prepared and delivered.
At Caterlink, we offer the Botinkit intelligent cooking workstation, an innovation designed to bring AI in commercial kitchens to life. This AI cooking solution directly addresses key operational challenges such as staff shortages, food waste, and product consistency.
“Nothing else on the market compares to this unit in terms of capability and intuitiveness of use,” Angus said. “Botinkit allows operators to take more control over product quality and is ideal for medium to large-scale foodservice areas.”
How the Botinkit Robot Works
Botinkit, short for “robot in kitchen,” combines precision engineering with smart AI software. The centrepiece of the unit is a cast iron pot built for durability, supported by automated liquid and seasoning dispensers. Operators can program recipes via touchscreen or mobile app, assigning exact quantities of ingredients, temperature settings, and cooking times.
Once programmed, the robot manages heating, stirring, and flavour balancing. It tilts automatically to serve, ensuring each dish is identical in taste and presentation every time it’s cooked.
“It’s ideal for pasta, risotto, stir fries, and Asian-style dishes such as rice and noodles,” Angus said. “You can program up to 1,000 recipes, from single serves to bulk production of three or four kilograms.”
Consistency, Efficiency, and Waste Reduction
Consistency is critical in any commercial kitchen. Fatigue or variation between shifts can affect food quality. Botinkit removes that risk, maintaining precise temperature and timing settings throughout each recipe.
“The units can run 24/7, so you can get meals out to your customers faster,” Angus explained. “You’ll never get a burnt dish or one that tastes different from the last. It’s a great time-saving solution that frees up staff to focus on other areas.”
Portion control is another major advantage. By dispensing exact ingredient volumes, Botinkit helps minimise waste and reduce food costs. This level of precision is particularly valuable in aged care, hospital catering, and mining operations, where serving accuracy and speed are essential.
Meeting Staffing Challenges
Australia’s hospitality industry continues to face staff shortages, particularly in regional and remote areas. Botinkit is proving to be a valuable tool for businesses struggling to find qualified cooks.
“Mining sites and aged care providers are especially interested,” Angus said. “They want to offer more nutritious and diverse meals, but they can’t always find the chefs to make it happen. Botinkit helps bridge that gap.”
The technology is also gaining traction among pubs, food courts, and canteens, where menu diversity and consistent service are essential. With simple training and menu programming, staff without formal cooking backgrounds can operate the unit safely and confidently.
Supporting Innovation and the Future of AI in Foodservice
As the preferred Australian distributor, Caterlink provides full support for every Botinkit installation, including training, recipe development, and menu customisation.
Angus McNamara explained that once operators see the technology in action, they quickly recognise its value, as shown by a Melbourne restaurant owner who kept her business running during a staff shortage using Botinkit’s programmed recipes.
This innovation reflects how AI in commercial kitchens is reshaping foodservice by learning from user preferences, improving consistency, and enhancing workflow without replacing chefs. To hear more, listen to the Food Service Rep Podcast or visit our Perth or Melbourne showroom to learn how AI cooking solutions can transform your operation.
