Zhejiang's First All-Robot Coffee Shop to Open in 2025

In a rapidly evolving robotics market, China is moving beyond entertainment bots to deploy intelligent machines in everyday services—from restaurants to soon, coffee shops. One of the latest innovations? A full-service café where robots handle everything from greeting to brewing. But how close is this future—and what does it mean for the specialty coffee scene?

Zhejiang will launch the province’s first entirely robot-operated coffee shop in 2025. It will be housed in an 800-square-meter, villa-style space within the developer’s own industrial park and will feature 'Q', a multi-functional service robot engineered in Jiaxing. This makes it one of the few such robot cafés in China.

Meet 'Q': The Multitasking Service Robot

Developed by Zhejiang Qiyi Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. in Jiaxing, 'Q' is more than a novelty. Standing over a meter tall, weighing 60 kilograms, and equipped with more than 100 sensors, it’s designed for interactive service roles. With a friendly, round-faced design, it uses voice interaction, obstacle detection, and scenario simulation to perform tasks.

The current 'Q' model can carry trays, guide guests to their seats, take orders, deliver food, and even handle payments. It avoids obstacles automatically and plays customizable audio—including regional dialects. Through its companion app, users can program responses, jokes, or even playful interactions like pretending to enjoy being patted. The robot also supports remote camera access, enabling family members to check in on elderly users.

From Restaurants to Cafés: Why Robots Are Taking Over Service Roles

Service robots like 'Q' are gaining traction due to rising labor costs and consistent performance. According to Chen Keding, the company’s sales director, hiring a restaurant server in Jiangsu and Zhejiang costs around 60,000 RMB annually, excluding management overhead. In contrast, 'Q' has a 10-year lifespan, works 24/7, requires just 2–3 charges per week, and doesn’t need breaks, meals, or emotional regulation.

The first-generation 'Q' sold out completely. Now, the company is preparing the second-generation model with improved aesthetics and added Chinese design elements. Though unreleased, pre-orders are already in place. Prices range from 40,000 to 150,000 RMB depending on configuration and features.

What to Expect from Zhejiang’s Robot Café

Slated to open in 2025, the 800-square-meter robot café in Jiaxing will be the first of its kind in Zhejiang—and one of the few nationwide. Every role, from host to barista assistant, will be handled by robots similar to 'Q'. The facility will serve as both a commercial venture and a showcase for the potential of automated hospitality environments.

While the exact menu or brewing equipment hasn’t been disclosed, the focus is on delivering a fully robotic service experience. The location within the company’s own industrial park suggests tight integration between robot development, testing, and real-world deployment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Q' robot and what can it do?

'Q' is a 1-meter-tall, 60 kg service robot with over 100 sensors, developed by Zhejiang Qiyi Electronics in Jiaxing. It can greet customers, guide them to seats, deliver food and drinks, take orders, process payments, and avoid obstacles. It also supports voice interaction, app-controlled audio (including dialects), and remote camera monitoring for elder care.

How much does the 'Q' robot cost?

The 'Q' robot is priced between 40,000 and 150,000 RMB, depending on the model and features. The first generation has sold out, and the improved second generation—featuring more Chinese design elements—is already receiving pre-orders.

Why are restaurants and cafes adopting robots like 'Q'?

Robots reduce long-term labor costs. A service worker in Jiangsu and Zhejiang costs about 60,000 RMB per year, not including management fees. 'Q' lasts 10 years, works around the clock, needs minimal charging, doesn’t require breaks or food, and avoids human errors due to mood or stress.

Where will the first all-robot coffee shop open?

The first fully robot-run coffee shop in Zhejiang will open in 2025. It will occupy an 800-square-meter villa-style space in the Jiaxing industrial park of Qiyi Electronics and will be staffed entirely by robots like 'Q'.

Will the robot café in Zhejiang serve specialty coffee?

The article does not specify the coffee types or brewing methods used in the robot café. However, the focus is on fully automated service, and it is likely to include standard coffee offerings given the emphasis on efficiency and technology.

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