Samsung Welstory is operating an automated frying process at its headquarters cafeteria located in Bundang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea, utilizing the RB5-850N collaborative robot specifically designed for the F&B sector by Rainbow Robotics. This advanced system features a frying robot co-developed by the food tech company ATNOOK and automation integrator Robotech.
The frying robot WELIBOT is installed at Samsung Welstory’s in-house cafeteria “Healthy Lab,” which serves meals for 450 people. This cafeteria is equipped with robotics technology optimized for mass meal preparation in a short time, enabling the cooking of various fried dishes such as fried chicken, pork cutlets, sweet and sour pork, and frozen dumplings. A key feature is its integrated design with a fryer cover and mesh screen that minimizes oil splatter.
WELIBOT is also featured in Samsung Welstory’s futuristic flagship cafeteria space, Open Lab. Designed with adaptability in mind, the robot can simultaneously prepare up to six different types of fried foods. Each recipe is pre-programmed based on precise analysis, allowing automatic frying by simply inputting the required temperature and cooking time.
By automating the frying process, Samsung Welstory has reduced the need for staff to operate near hot oil, thereby minimizing risks of burns and fire accidents. The automation also helps alleviate the physical burden on kitchen staff and ensures consistent food quality.

Enabling Smooth Operations in High-Volume Foodservice with RB5-850N

In large-scale food service operations, it has been difficult to adopt cooking robots due to the need to prepare a high volume of meals in a short time and the requirement to cook different dishes every day. To address this, Samsung Welstory collaborated with food-tech specialist Robotech to develop a robotics-based automated frying solution, which has been implemented at the company's headquarters cafeteria. In particular, the kitchen where the frying robot is installed operates as a collaborative environment, with three cooking staff, two serving staff, and two collaborative robots from Rainbow Robotics working together seamlessly.
In high-volume settings, fried foods typically require two frying stages—an initial fry followed by a second fry before serving. These tasks are often carried out in parallel with food distribution, leading to high labor requirements. The frying robot automates both frying and oil-draining processes, significantly reducing manual effort while supporting seamless operation during peak service hours.
This solution is equipped with the RB5-850N, a collaborative robot specialized for F&B applications. Ingredients placed in dedicated containers are dispensed through four input ports, and two robotic arms place them into two fryers on each side for cooking. From ingredient loading to cooking and completion, the entire process is fully automated in a one-stop system, significantly reducing cooking time. As a result, fried dishes for 450 servings can be prepared in just 90 minutes.
The RB-N series of collaborative robots is the world’s first to be certified by the U.S. National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and includes three models: RB5-850N, RB3-1200N, and RB10-1300N. Among them, the RB5-850N, featured in this solution, is the flagship model of the RB-N series and is the most widely adopted in F&B establishments. This is due to its versatile installation options—on floors, ceilings, or walls—and its compact reach of 927.7 mm, allowing flexible deployment even in tight spaces. With a payload capacity of 5 kg, it is suitable for various F&B applications, such as fryers that operate at high temperatures and espresso machines that use high-pressure steam. Notably, it is designed for direct use without the need for additional covers or protective equipment.

Lightweight Frying Robots for Small and Medium-Scale Kitchens

Samsung Welstory, a leading food solution provider operating over 400 group catering sites across Korea, recognized the varying sizes and conditions of these sites. As large-scale equipment can be difficult to implement or unnecessary in locations with smaller cooking volumes, a lightweight frying robot was developed to suit these smaller and mid-sized facilities. This solution has been installed at Samsung Welstory’s flagship space, “Open Lab,” where visitors can directly experience the future of institutional catering.
The frying automation solution was developed by food-tech company ATNOOK, utilizing Rainbow Robotics’ RB5-850N collaborative robot. The system maintains a stable oil temperature of up to 230°C, enabling consistent frying quality, and supports simultaneous cooking of up to six different types of fried food. It can fry up to 1.5 kg of ingredients per basket in just 3 minutes, offering high operational efficiency. Designed with safety in mind, the system is equipped with an emergency stop button and sensors that pause operation when a worker approaches the robot—key features of the solution.
The frying automation solution was developed by food-tech company ATNOOK, utilizing Rainbow Robotics’ RB5-850N collaborative robot. The system maintains a stable oil temperature of up to 230°C, enabling consistent frying quality, and supports simultaneous cooking of up to six different types of fried food. It can fry up to 1.5 kg of ingredients per basket in just 3 minutes, offering high operational efficiency. Designed with safety in mind, the system is equipped with an emergency stop button and sensors that pause operation when a worker approaches the robot—key features of the solution.
The robot arm is installed under the upper hood to maximize space efficiency and allow easy oil replacement and cleaning. Notably, pressing a designated button before or after cooking causes the robot arm to automatically move upward and halt operations, ensuring that workers can safely perform tasks without risk of collision.
A hygienic cooking environment is maintained with an NSF-certified hygienic glove attached to the gripper. This single-purpose gripper automates the entire frying process—from ingredient loading to oil drainage.
ATNOOK, the food-tech company behind this solution, is actively expanding its kitchen automation business using collaborative robots. Rainbow Robotics’ RB-N series has already been deployed in over 100 well-known domestic chicken franchise outlets such as Barun Chicken and Jadam Chicken, as well as in more than 10 overseas locations, including New Jersey and Philadelphia in the U.S., Melbourne in Australia, and Paris in France.

Leading the Future of Institutional Foodservice with Smart Automation

In addition to the frying robot, Samsung Welstory is building a diverse portfolio of cooking automation technologies including made-to-order robots, stir-fry robots, and unmanned systems for food prep, service, and cleaning. A total of 18 robotic systems have been developed to address labor shortages and elevate hygiene and safety standards in the foodservice sector.
In 2023, Samsung Welstory signed a strategic partnership agreement with Rainbow Robotics to accelerate robotic automation in institutional catering. Following the agreement, Samsung Welstory launched WELIBOT—the industry's first dedicated robotic frying corner—and began integrating the RB-N series into its F&B operations.
A Samsung Welstory spokesperson commented:
“As labor shortages in the service industry intensify, robotic cooking systems present a viable solution to both workforce and safety challenges. We will continue to enhance our business competitiveness and deliver high-quality food and beverage services to our customers through differentiated food tech innovations.”