British Airways trials robotic cocktail maker

British Airways is trialling an Artificial Intelligence (AI) - powered cocktail-making machine, the first UK airline to test the technology.

However, only customers who visit the British carrier’s lounges in its San Francisco and Newark, in the United States will be able to try out the new cocktail experience. 

With the automated mixer, there is no need for a bartender as passengers can order their drink in two simple steps: press a button selecting the drink of your choice then place a glass on the conveyer belt and let the AI do the work.

And presto! A drink in just 45 seconds.

Passengers can choose from a selection of 30 cocktails as well as a vast array of customized drinks from the robotic device, said the statement. 

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“We are always looking at innovative ways to enhance our customers’ journey on the ground and in the air,” said the British Airways’ Head of Innovation, Ricardo Vidal.

As part of the trial that is to go on until next month, the airline has created some locally-inspired cocktails for the menu including, Silicon Galley and Echo-Whisky-Romeo.

The AI-powered device, created by Barsys, a consumer electronics company, dispenses cocktails in just 45 seconds.

But the machine’s creators are insisting that they are not seeking to replace bartenders.

“Barsys will never replace a good bartender but can free them up to make more complicated drinks and interact with customers,’’ said Barsys CEO and Founder, Akshet Tewari.

Tewari said his company’s partnership with British Airways would “create a unique and fun cocktail experience” at the airport lounges.