Covestro AG, a leading polymer company, has reportedly collaborated with Bear Robotics Inc., the developers of Servi™ Hospitality Robots.
During the design phase of Servi™, the company needed a material that was dimensionally stable, aesthetically appealing, and resistant to both chemicals and impacts. After considerable testing, the company found that the combination of Makroblend® UltraTough's PC/PET fits the bill.
The introduction of Servi™ has occurred at an opportune time as restaurant owners face shortages in labor with high preference over worker happiness.
Servi™ and Servi™ Mini complement the modern kitchen and its waitstaff. It also reduces stress on restaurant workers by delivering drinks and food from kitchen to table then bringing back dirty dishes. This enables the servers to deeply focus on customer satisfaction and experience while enhancing overall efficiency.
As a completely autonomous robot, Servi™ is equipped with an array of sensors, processors, cameras in addition to an advanced LiDar system that not only gets the robot to the correct destination but also navigates around patrons and other uncertain house situations.
Makroblend® UT was the material chosen by Bear Robotics as it required something that could withstand the chemical effects of repeated washings and resist impacts without hampering the sensitive electronics inside.
Covestro’s extensive experience of 50 years in polycarbonate manufacturing played a crucial role in finding the right material for this innovative device.
Talking about the material choice, Senior Mechanical Engineer of Bear Robotics Dan Elliott noted that Covestro’s broad portfolio of specialized polymers, expertise as well as technical support made it the ideal company for supplying materials for some of the company’s major plastic parts.
Moreover, the moderate viscosity of Makroblend® UT made it an easier material to process in comparison to the anticipated molder.
For those unversed, Covestro is one of the leading developers of high-performance polymers in North America.
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