Ocado takes minority stake in food robotics firm Karakuri
Online grocer Ocado has acquired a minority stake in robotics start-up company Karakuri.
The company has produced a new machine which automates the assembly of food-to-go and enables retailers and restaurants to personalise meals.
Featuring a configurable and modular design that can be installed in-store or in “dark kitchens”, the machines can be used in the assembly of all boxed meals and can aggregate up to 48 food items to create a wide range of food-to-go options.
Ocado Group’s ventures arm led the £7 million seed round with an equity investment of £4.75 million for 18% of the company and a seat on the board. If Ocado meets certain pre-agreed targets in the take-up of the technology, it will then have the right to purchase additional shares in the company.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Ocado expects to take delivery of the first machines in the second half of 2019.
Tim Steiner, chief executive of Ocado, said: “Ocado is constantly striving to identify the best and most innovative solutions to provide consumers with the greatest possible value, choice and convenience. Our investment in Karakuri, potentially a game-changer in the preparation of food-to-go, gives us the opportunity to bring the best of innovation to the benefit of our own customers as well as those of our partners.”
