xrobotics Robots Make 25,000 Pizzas Monthly | Automation

XRobotics and the Automation of Pizza Production

XRobotics believes a significant advancement has been made in encouraging pizza restaurants to integrate robotic systems into their operations.

Based in San Francisco, the company has developed the xPizza Cube, a countertop robot approximately the size of a conventional washing machine. This device utilizes machine learning algorithms to precisely apply sauce, cheese, and pepperoni to pizza bases.

Robot Specifications and Cost

These machines are available for lease at a rate of $1,300 per month over a three-year period. They are capable of producing up to 100 pizzas each hour.

The xPizza Cube can be adapted to accommodate various pizza sizes and styles, including Detroit-style and Chicago deep-dish pizzas.

Efficiency and Labor Savings

According to Denis Rodionov, co-founder and CEO of XRobotics, the robot significantly reduces staff time. He stated to TechCrunch, “This saves almost 70, and sometimes 80% of the time for the staff.”

Rodionov emphasizes that the task of applying toppings, such as pepperoni, is highly repetitive. “If you have a pepperoni pizza, you need to place 50 slices of pepperoni one by one,” he explained.

Previous Attempts at Robotic Pizza Making

XRobotics is not the first company to explore the application of robotics within the restaurant sector, particularly in pizza production.

Zume represents a prominent example of a pizza robotics company. However, after securing over $420 million in venture capital for its robotic pizza trucks, the company shifted its focus to sustainable packaging in 2020 and ultimately ceased operations in 2023.

A Different Approach to Automation

Rodionov contends that XRobotics’ success stems from a different strategy than that of Zume.

Instead of attempting a complete overhaul of the pizza-making process, XRobotics focuses on creating technology that assists existing pizza makers, saving them time and reducing labor costs.

Assistive Technology and Affordability

Because the xPizza Cube is designed as assistive technology, rather than a complete replacement for human labor, it remains compact enough to fit within existing kitchen spaces.

Furthermore, the pricing structure has been set to be accessible to a wide range of pizzerias, from small, independent shops to large chain restaurants – both of which are currently customers of XRobotics.

Lessons Learned from Initial Development

XRobotics initially launched in 2019, introducing a larger, more complex version of its technology in 2021. This first iteration, capable of handling over 20 toppings, encountered similar challenges to those faced by its competitors.

“We did a real pilot in the restaurant with our huge machine,” Rodionov recalled. “We learned a lot from that, and we figured out we needed a very small, compact solution.”

The decision to downsize the robot, despite initial reservations, proved to be a turning point. “It was a bit scary… And we just followed the gut and said, ‘Yeah, we would go and make a smaller version,’ and it was tremendous success.”

Current Production and Funding

The current xPizza Cube model was launched in 2023. While the company has not disclosed the exact number of customers, it reports that its robots are currently producing 25,000 pizzas per month.

XRobotics recently secured a $2.5 million seed round led by FinSight Ventures, with participation from SOSV, MANA Ventures, and Republic Capital.

The company intends to utilize this funding to increase production and expand robot installations for its customers.

Future Expansion and a Passion for Pizza

XRobotics remains dedicated to the pizza industry, recognizing the substantial market size – with over 73,000 pizza chains in the U.S. alone.

Plans are underway to expand operations into Mexico and Canada.

“I love pizza, my co-founder too,” Rodionov shared. “We have tested probably any pizza in San Francisco. Also, we test pizza in New York and Chicago.” He added that Detroit-style pizza, characterized by its square shape and crispy cheese crust, is his personal favorite.