World’s First Drone-Served University Café Opens in Netherlands

Imagine sitting at a café table, and instead of a waiter approaching, a small white disc hovers above you, scans your order, then zips off to fetch your drink or snack. This isn’t science fiction—it’s happening right now at a university in the Netherlands.

Yes, the world’s first café run partly by drones is real. Opened at Eindhoven University of Technology, it uses custom-built UAVs to take customer orders and deliver food and beverages. The project involved 20 students who spent nine months developing the system.

What Is the ‘Blue Jay’ Drone Café?

The café, located on the campus of Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands, features student-designed drones named “Blue Jays.” These devices have a white, disc-like body with an illuminated ring. They function as both order-takers and servers, flying autonomously above tables to interact with customers.

According to project leader Tessie Hartjes, the aim was to explore how drones could become everyday tools. “We believe drones can be practical helpers,” she said, adding that they might even become “friends” in the home of the future.

How Do the Drones Work?

The drones operate in a two-part system. First, a Blue Jay hovers over your table to scan and record your order. Once the order is processed by kitchen staff, a second drone delivers the requested item—be it food or drink—directly to your table.

The drones are equipped with foldable clamps underneath, allowing them to carry and release items with precision. This design demonstrates their ability to handle delicate tasks, potentially extending to applications like medicine delivery or security monitoring.

What’s Special About These Drones?

Each Blue Jay drone costs around €2,000 and comes outfitted with multiple sensors and a long-lasting battery. Beyond just flying and carrying items, these UAVs represent a step toward integrating robotics into public, semi-social environments like cafés.

The drones’ illuminated rings and smooth flight patterns are not just for show—they aid in visibility and interaction, making the technology approachable even in a casual dining setting.

Why Build a Drone Café?

The project wasn’t designed to replace human staff, but to test real-world applications of UAV technology. Twenty students dedicated nine months to building and refining the drones, with the goal of showing how autonomous flying machines could assist in daily tasks.

“This is a glimpse into the future,” said one participant. The team envisions a world where drones are as common as household appliances, aiding with everything from delivery to companionship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the world’s first drone café located?

The world’s first drone-serviced café is located at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands. It is a student-run project demonstrating how UAVs can take orders and deliver food and drinks.

How many students worked on the drone café project?

Twenty students were involved in the project, which took nine months to develop the drones and implement the service system in the university café.

What are the drones at the café called?

The drones are named “Blue Jays.” They are white, disc-shaped UAVs with illuminated rings, designed to hover at tables, take orders, and deliver items.

How much does each drone cost?

Each Blue Jay drone costs approximately €2,000. They are outfitted with sensors, foldable clamps for carrying items, and have a long battery life.

Do the drones actually cook or prepare food?

No, the drones do not cook or prepare food. They are used to take orders and deliver prepared items from the kitchen to customers at their tables.

Could this drone technology be used in other places?

Yes, the project demonstrates that drones can handle precise tasks such as food delivery, and the technology could extend to areas like medicine delivery, security, or even home assistance.

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