UT makes use of robot for student coffee service

The "intelligent coffee kiosk" uses robotics to accurately mimic the process done in Honduras including grinding the beans and stretching the milk, which differs from standard coffee machines.

"There is a lot of detail to make sure what we're doing is precise," Studor said.

The innovation of Briggo doesn't end there. Customers can order in person using touch screens or remotely via the web or cell phone application. With mobile orders, the exact time the coffee will be ready is given and a text can be sent when it's done.

Studor explained students know exactly when their beverage will be available, allowing them to grab it on the way to class without being held up in a line.

"People are really picking up the idea," he stated.

UT is the first location for Briggo and was chosen for several reasons, mainly the tendency of college students to keep up with trends, especially in technology and social media.

"I've sat here all day with people who say 'that's so cool," Studor said. "It's really fun to be here."

The UT kiosk is not currently a 24-hour operation, but future plans include expansion to locations that would benefit from 24-hour coffee, self-service coffee machines such as hospitals, large office complexes, train stations and military bases. Future plans also include more products, such as iced beverages.

"At 4 a.m. it can be really hard to get really good coffee," Studor said.

Besides coffee, Briggo offers both regular and chai lattes, espresso and hot chocolate which can be personalized with different kinds of milk, syrups and sugar. Orders can also be saved as "favorites" on customer accounts speeding up future ordering. There is also a Facebook application to share drink preferences.

The lower cost of running a kiosk compared to an entire coffee shop helps keep prices low. A cup of coffee costs $1.40, while the highest price for a specialty drink is $3.30.

Studor, who has worked for companies such as Motorola and Freescale Semiconductor, developed Briggo along with Kevin Nater, former president and CEO of Dell Financial Services, and Patrick Pierce, an award-winning barista.

The Briggo team strives to use high quality, organic ingredients obtained through an ethical supply chain.

"We find really good ingredients and then don't mess them up," Studor said.

The UT location has an attendant available to help customers during peak times, but many of the future locations will not, as Studor said it's not a necessity, but more about customer service and face time.

Several UT students agreed a robotic barista has been a positive addition to campus.

"It's definitely a really good idea," Roman Torrano said. "I get it [coffee] quite often when I study here, and I know others feel the same."

Katie Stacy, a first time customer, said she enjoyed the experience and was excited to try mobile ordering in the future. She also mentioned the attendant was very helpful.

Several students including Rachel Immaraj were instead confused by the attendant, but did enjoy the coffee.

"I think it's a cool idea, but it seems a little pointless that there needs to be a person there," Immaraj said. "But it [the coffee] tastes pretty legit, and the options are good."

Briggo Coffee

• Flawn Academic Center
• 2400 Inner Campus Drive
• University of Texas
• Hours: Mon.–Thu. 7 a.m. to midnight, Fri. 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sat.– Sun 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• briggo.com