RoboBurger is an automated burger vending machine created by the trio of Dan Braido, Audley Wilson, and Andy Siegel. It is a self-contained automated kitchen housed within a compact 12 square foot machine that has the capability to grill, assemble, and dispense freshly cooked burgers on demand.
The key innovation of RoboBurger lies in its patented five-step cooking process that mirrors the techniques employed by chefs in traditional restaurants. In the first step, the machine grills the burger patty on both sides to achieve the desired level of doneness. The second step involves toasting the bun to provide a satisfying crunch and aroma. Next, the selected condiments are precisely dispensed onto the patty. In the fourth step, the various components of the burger are carefully assembled together. Finally, the freshly prepared burger is delivered to the customer through one of the machine’s dispensing bays.
RoboBurger prides itself on being the only hot food vending machine to receive certification from the National Sanitary Foundation (NSF) to meet the stringent food safety regulations outlined in the NSF/ANSI 25 standards. This certification ensures that every burger produced by the machine adheres to the highest standards of hygiene and quality control, guaranteeing a safe and enjoyable dining experience for customers.
The menu at RoboBurger offers a diverse selection of burger options to cater to various dietary preferences and tastes. Their signature offering is the Classic RoboBurger Burger, which features a mouthwatering 100% all-natural, flame-grilled USDA Choice Angus Beef Chuck Steak patty nestled between a lightly toasted Martin’s Potato Bun. For those seeking plant-based alternatives, RoboBurger offers the RoboPlant burger, available in both classic Garden Burger and Spicy Black Bean varieties, providing a delicious and nutritious option with 69% less fat than regular ground beef. Additionally, the RoboEgg burger, which includes a seasoned pork or vegetarian breakfast sausage patty paired with an egg and sharp cheddar sauce, provides a satisfying breakfast option.
Behind this innovative venture is a team of passionate individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise. Audley Wilson, the CEO and inventor of RoboBurger, is a Jamaican immigrant whose fascination with electronics and robotics began at a young age. His early inventions earned him a scholarship to Carnegie Mellon University, where he studied Business. It was during his college years, while operating his own restaurant, the Hkan Hookah Bar and Grill, that the idea for an automated burger-making machine first took root. After graduation, Audley pursued a career in analytics, amassing 14 years of experience leading analytics teams for companies of all sizes, where he guided many businesses to higher ROI through cost reduction and optimization strategies.
Dan Braido, the Chief Technology Officer and renowned Chief Tastiness Officer, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in robotics and automation to the RoboBurger team. A founding member of his high school’s Robotics team, Dan’s passion for robots and automation led him to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. During his time there, he was involved in several mechatronic, robotic platform, and automation projects, as well as robotics research for urban search and rescue. Dan further honed his skills by earning a Master’s degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering from Rutgers University. After graduation, Dan’s work allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of the operations of production systems and safeguards. His love of food and the science behind cooking and why food tastes great ultimately led him to the RoboBurger platform, which represents the realization of a lifetime of experience.
Completing the triumvirate is Andy Siegel, the Chief Marketing Officer, a seasoned entrepreneur with a proven track record in direct-to-consumer marketing and hospitality. Over the past three decades, Andy has built multiple direct-to-consumer brands to over $100 million in sales in various industries, including health and wellness, exercise, and skin care. In addition to these accomplishments, he has successfully launched multiple businesses of his own, including restaurants, real estate, consulting, and financial services. Currently, Andy owns Satis Bistro, one of Jersey City’s premier food service establishments, as well as Lucky 7’s, a popular bar in the same city. Andy’s extensive experience in building successful brands and his expertise in the food and beverage industry have been instrumental in guiding RoboBurger’s strategic direction.
RoboBurger’s innovative business model offers multiple financing options, making it accessible to a wide range of entrepreneurs and investors. Customers can purchase a RoboBurger unit directly from the company or opt for leasing through their partner, Leaf Now. The company provides comprehensive support, including a one-year warranty, technical assistance, and software licensing for real-time monitoring and inventory tracking through their cloud-based system. RoboBurger also offers comprehensive documentation for unboxing, installation, setup, and online training to ensure a smooth integration process.
One of the standout features of RoboBurger is its customization and white-labeling services, which allow businesses to extend their brand’s reach or integrate the machine into their existing setups. The company works closely with customers to fine-tune the machine for their specific products, ensuring that every burger produced meets the highest standards of excellence.
With a projected revenue potential of approximately $82,000 per year and a 33% profit margin by selling just 33 burgers per day at $6.99 each, RoboBurger presents an attractive investment opportunity. The company’s commitment to customization and white-labeling services further enhances its appeal, allowing businesses to tailor the machine to their unique needs.
RoboBurger’s journey from a garage-based prototype to a fully realized automated burger vending machine is a testament to the perseverance and ingenuity of its founders. As a minority-owned business, RoboBurger embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation, demonstrating that dreams can become reality through unwavering determination and a visionary mindset.
With its cutting-edge technology, diverse menu offerings, and a team of passionate innovators at the helm, RoboBurger offers a unique and convenient solution for those seeking freshly prepared burgers on demand. As the world continues to embrace automation and convenience, RoboBurger stands poised to provide a new automated option for burger sales in various settings.
