About
Makr Shakr is a pioneering robotic bartending solution that brings automation and entertainment to the art of drink-making. First unveiled at Google I/O in 2013 — developed in collaboration with MIT Senseable City Lab, The Coca-Cola Company, and Bacardi — the system has since grown into a full commercial product line deployed across Royal Caribbean cruise ships and various high-profile venues worldwide. The platform offers three distinct robot models: Toni, designed for luxury venues seeking a technological upgrade; Veloce, built for fast-paced dance clubs where speed and order throughput are critical; and Compatto, engineered for high-traffic areas to reduce queues and wait times. Each unit is purpose-built to fit the environment it serves. Guests interact with Makr Shakr through a digital ordering interface, choosing and customizing their drinks, while the robots handle the mixing and serving. This creates a seamless blend of automation, personalization, and entertainment. The robots' movements were originally choreographed based on human dance to provide an engaging and visually striking bar experience. Makr Shakr is ideal for cruise lines, hospitality groups, luxury hotels, event organizers, and entertainment venues looking to streamline bar operations, reduce staffing costs, and wow their guests with an unforgettable robotic experience. The company also takes on special projects and custom installations for brands and events.
Key Features
- Multiple Robot Models: Three specialized robots — Toni (luxury), Veloce (high-speed clubs), and Compatto (high-traffic) — each tailored to specific venue environments.
- Guest-Facing Drink Ordering: Customers can customize and order drinks through a digital interface, placing the guest at the heart of the experience.
- Cruise Ship Deployment: Fully operational across nine Royal Caribbean cruise vessels, serving thousands of guests with consistent, automated cocktail preparation.
- Custom & Special Projects: Makr Shakr builds bespoke robotic bar installations for brand activations, events, and unique venue concepts.
- Human-Robot Interaction Design: Robot movements are modeled on human choreography to create an engaging, visually captivating bar experience rather than a purely mechanical one.
Use Cases
- Automating bar service on luxury cruise ships to serve high volumes of guests efficiently and entertainingly.
- Enhancing nightclub experiences with high-speed robotic drink service to keep up with the dancing crowd.
- Reducing queues in high-traffic event venues such as stadiums, airports, or convention centers.
- Creating memorable brand activations and experiential marketing installations for corporate events.
- Upgrading luxury hotel or resort bars with a futuristic, technology-driven hospitality experience.
Pros
- Proven at Scale: Deployed on multiple Royal Caribbean ships and venues, demonstrating reliability and commercial viability in real-world, high-demand settings.
- Versatile Product Line: Three distinct robot models cater to different venue types, from luxury hotels to nightclubs and large public areas.
- Entertainment + Efficiency: Combines the spectacle of robotic performance with operational efficiency, reducing wait times while enhancing guest engagement.
Cons
- High Capital Investment: As a hardware-based enterprise solution, the upfront cost is likely significant, making it inaccessible to small bars or independent venues.
- Limited Flexibility for Craft Bartending: Robotic systems may not replicate the nuanced, improvisational artistry of an experienced human mixologist for highly bespoke cocktail menus.
- Maintenance & Technical Complexity: Physical robotic installations require ongoing technical maintenance and support, adding operational overhead compared to traditional bar staffing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Makr Shakr?
Makr Shakr is a robotic bartending system that automates the mixing and serving of drinks. It offers multiple robot models designed for different types of venues including luxury spaces, nightclubs, and high-traffic areas.
Where is Makr Shakr currently deployed?
Makr Shakr is deployed on nine vessels of Royal Caribbean Cruises and in various high-profile venues around the world. They also undertake special projects for brands and events.
What robot models does Makr Shakr offer?
Makr Shakr offers three models: Toni for luxury venues, Veloce for dance clubs needing fast service, and Compatto for high-traffic areas where queue reduction is a priority.
How did Makr Shakr originate?
The first Makr Shakr prototype was created by MIT Senseable City Lab in collaboration with The Coca-Cola Company and Bacardi Rum, and was first unveiled at Google I/O in San Francisco in 2013.
How can a venue get Makr Shakr?
Interested venues can inquire directly through the Makr Shakr website for each robot model. The company offers tailored solutions and also engages in custom special projects.
