“Working with the ReBeL from igus is easy to learn”
Barbara Dörsam, Ph.D.
Hochschule der Medien – Stuttgart, Germany
Less cost
Below 5,000€
Less complexity
with igus robot control
Less time
Rapid deployment via RBTX
Less risk
With careful ReBeL Cobot behaviour
In a nutshell
At Roborista, a fully automated espresso bar, robotics meets web development and 3D printing. From ordering via a custom web interface to payment through a toy robot, the process is playful yet precise. The ReBeL robot takes over the brewing: it detects the cup, moves it to the machine, starts the brewing process, and delivers the coffee – including milk and sugar if selected. All gripping components were designed and printed by students, making Roborista a showcase of low-cost automation, creativity, and hands-on engineering.
The challenges: combining robotics, design and user interaction in a compact space
Roborista is a student-driven project that merges robotics, web development and 3D printing into a fully automated espresso bar. The goal: create a system that not only brews coffee but also interacts with users in a playful and intuitive way.
Variety in application – and every movement precise:
The automation solution operates in a dynamic environment where cups must be detected, gripped and moved reliably:
- Recognizing cups via image processing
- Gripping and transporting with a custom 3D-printed gripper
- Starting and monitoring the brewing process
- Delivering optional ingredients like milk and sugar
Efficiency meets creativity
The project was realized using low-cost components and student-developed software. The ReBeL robot was chosen for its compact design and ease of integration.
Customized solution instead of a standard product
All gripping tools and control logic were developed and printed in-house, allowing full customization and rapid prototyping – ideal for educational and experimental environments.
The solution: Automated espresso service with precision and personality
To reduce manual effort and create a unique user experience, Roborista uses a ReBeL 6 DOF robot to automate the coffee-making process. The robot identifies the cup, moves it to the machine, starts brewing, and delivers the final product – optionally with milk and sugar.
With a reach of 660 mm and a repeatability of ±1 mm, the ReBeL ensures reliable and accurate movements. The gripping system, developed and 3D-printed by students, allows flexible handling of different cup types.
The entire process is controlled via a custom-built web interface, enabling users to place orders and interact with the system. The playful integration of a toy robot for payment adds a unique touch.
Thanks to low-cost hardware, open-source software and student innovation, the system is affordable, adaptable and ideal for educational settings and public demonstrations.
Key facts
Working space
660 mm
Repeatability
±1 mm
Max. payload
2 kg
Cost efficient
4,970 €
Conclusion
Automation at Roborista is not just a technical achievement – it’s a creative and educational experience. The integration of robotics, web technology and 3D printing shows how innovation can be playful and practical. Where manual brewing once required attention and coordination, a robot now delivers coffee with precision and charm.
The decision to build Roborista was strategic: combining low-cost automation with student creativity to create a flexible, scalable and engaging system. The result is a robust setup that runs reliably and inspires curiosity – while freeing up time for new ideas and interactions.