Robots Brewing Your Commute‑Time Coffee
Picture this: you arrive at a metro stop, shuffle past a row of gleaming lockers, and instead of scuffling through a vending machine, a sleek robot pulls a steaming cup right into your hand. The future is brewing, literally.
Why Coffee‑Making Robots Will Be All Over MRT in 2022
- 30 Stations Going Robot‑Powered – By 2022, a third of Singapore’s MRT stops will boast self‑serving coffee kiosks.
- Collaboration Power – Stellar Lifestyle (formerly SMRT Commercial) and Crown Digital, a tech‑savvy F&B startup, are teaming up to make commuting a tad less grumpy.
- Less Queue, More Free Time – If you cannot stand the idea of waiting, a robot barista could save you precious minutes before catching the next train.
How This Fits Into Daily Life
Think about it: no more last‑minute coffee runs, no more juggling your phone and a tray of mugs. The robots will be everywhere you’re already heading — just turn around, phase in, and your cup arrives without a single barista to greet you.
What’s In It for You?
- Instant Gratification – No more queuing at the kiosk. Your coffee’s ready as soon as you step into the automatic window.
- Smartly Stored – The kiosks will keep beans and milk fresh with advanced temperature controls.
- Enjoy the Ride – The robot lets you savor a warm drink while you stare out at the Thai street, or simply sip your thoughts.
All told, the joint effort paints a picture of a futuristic commute: you’re surrounded by cool, tech‑driven coffee points, all designed to make the daily grind a little less grindy.
Meet Ella: The Coffee‑Whipping Robot Who’s Ready to Drop by Your MRT Stop
Think of Ella as the latest barista that fits into a little <5 sqm niche—so you won’t have to squint to see her :
What Ella Can Do
- Serves coffee cashlessly and contact‑lessly—no sticky fingers required.
- Can produce an astounding 200 cups an hour—your caffeine fix is almost instant.
- Offers a share‑off the app so you can order before you even step out of the bus stop.
Where it’s Coming
Right now, the exact MRT stations are a mystery. Stay tuned – but if you’re a coffee addict who can’t wait for 2022, you’ve got a few other spots to explore.
Other Robot‑Barista Hotspots
- City’s Automation Café—robot too slick to miss.
- Nightlife’s Barbot Lounge—robots remix cocktails.
So, whether you’re waiting for Ella to roll into the MTR or hopping over to an existing robot bar, there’s plenty of caffeinated fun ahead. Good vibes, great brews, and zero mic‑cleaning—what’s not to love?
1. Crown Coffee @ CityHub Mall
CityHub Mall: Your New Stop for Smart Sips
Ever wonder where Singapore’s first fully‑automated robot barista landed? It’s at CityHub Mall in Lavender—the place where coffee meets circuitry. Think of it as the Silicon Valley of espresso, but it’ll serve you a latte faster than an elevator during rush hour.
What’s on the Menu?
- Americano – the classic that never goes out of style.
- Iced Matcha Latte – green‑tea vibes with a twist of chill.
- Flat White – silky and smooth, just like your favorite moody playlist.
- And over 20 more options because who has time for a simple two‑choice menu?
All these delights start at $3.50—cheaper than a hotel stay and more exciting than a mystery box.
How to Order (And Not Get Caught in a Queue)
Everything is contactless. Grab your phone, launch the Crown Coffee mobile app, tap that “Order” button, and the robot barista will do the rest. Pay through the app, walk away, and maybe sneak a glimpse at the coffee machine’s neon eyes.
Location: 114 Lavender St, #01-22, 2 CT Hub, Singapore 338729
Trust us, this isn’t just another coffee shop. It’s the intersection of luxury, convenience, and a touch of tech‑savvy fun. Drop by and experience the future of brews—without leaving your waistband behind.
2. Crown Coffee @ Plaza Singapura
Meet the New Ella in the Heart of Singapore
Stuck in a caffeine slump? Swing by Plaza Singapura, where Ella has set up shop right at the town centre.
Where You’re Going To Be
You can keep all your city-weary maps at home. The drop‑off location is straight on: 68 Orchard Road, Level 1, Singapore 238839.
What’s On the Menu
Unlike the sprawling menu at CityHub Mall, Ella here only plays in a tighter five‑drink league: Americano, Cappuccino, Latte, Flat White, and the bold Double Espresso.
All these caffeinated options kick off at $3.50 – pretty sweet for the perks.
Quick Scratch List
- Americano – $3.50
- Cappuccino – $3.50
- Latte – $3.50
- Flat White – $3.50
- Double Espresso – $3.50
Why You’ll Love It
If you’ve been dodging coffee shop lines, the “mash‑up” point here is that you can grab your favourite brew right through the door, no extra stop‑over needed.
And hey, fewer choices mean less stress – just pick one and get sipping. Trust us, your taste buds thank you.
3. Ratio Cafe and Lounge
Ratio Café & Lounge: Coffee, Tea, & a Dash of Booze
When you step into Ratio Café & Lounge at The Centrepoint, you’re not just heading for your morning caffeine fix—you’re also in for a surprise splash of alcohol. It’s like a coffee shop and a speakeasy had a stylish baby.
- Robot‑led service: Just like Crown Coffee, the robots here take orders through an app. Think of it as a high‑tech barista who never takes a coffee break.
- Touch‑screen menus on-site: If you’re not into the app, no sweat. Click on a screen and order your latte, tea, or cocktail straight from the counter.
So whether you’re chasing a latte or a libation, Ratio Café & Lounge has you covered—proof that you can brew coffee and mix drinks with equal flair.
Sip, Shuffle, and Score Your Perfect Cup
Picture this: you walk into a café that feels more like a playground than a coffee shop. The mix‑n‑match menu lets you tweak your beverage just the way you like—by swiping a few barcodes or playing around on the touch screen, no fussy barista needed.
What’s on the Menu?
- Coconut Latte – creamy, tropical, and no one can say no to a coconut splash.
- Iced Espresso Tonic – perfect for those who want a bitter jolt with a fizzy finish.
- Tom Yum Martini – spicy, zesty, and the reason you’ll end up tasting two cocktails in one visit.
- Nutty Orange – because nuts and citrus should totally get together.
And the price tag? A friendly $3 to start, meaning you can afford to treat yourself a few more times this week.
Where to Find It
176 Orchard Rd, #05‑06 The Centrepoint, Singapore 238843
4. Honeymill
Cool Honey‑Cool Drinks – A Sweet Robot Finale
Forget lukewarm lattes and stale cappuccinos – Honeymill is stirring up a new craze by serving frosty honey cocktails, all whipped up by a high‑tech arm dubbed Sody.
Flavors That’ll Make You Chew the Sweet Spot
- Chestnut Honey – Think nutty sweetness with a honey twist.
- Coriander Honey – A surprising herbal kick that’s as bold as your taste buds.
All drinks hit the shelf at $5.30 and boast 100 % pure honey, so you’re sipping straight from the hive.
Meet the Brainy Barista – Sody
Owner Sophia pulled a hefty $200,000 investment for this marvel. She partnered with a local engineering firm, and after nine months of tinkering, Sody was ready to serve. The machine’s design is clean, precise, and affectionately called “Sody” thanks to its warm personality.
Visit the Hive
Drop by Honeymill’s little sweet spot at:
290 Orchard Rd, #B1‑32 Paragon Shopping Centre, Singapore 238859
For questions or a taste test, email [email protected].
