Hospital’s Café Features Food-Making Robot

Families visiting the recently-opened Kennedy Outpatient Center at Erlanger Children’s Hospital in Chattanooga, Tenn., can now enjoy fresh food prepared by Sally the Robot. The robot, located inside the new Choo Choo Cafe, offers meals via touchscreen interface.

In addition to customizable salads and grain bowls from Sally, the cafe offers made-to-order sandwiches and wraps for breakfast and lunch, bagels, gourmet soups, an interactive frozen yogurt machine, and grab-and-go options. It also features a coffee, tea, and soda bar as well as a kids’ menu. Customers can also order ahead online or via a fast lane kiosk.

 “We are thrilled to be part of the region’s only children’s hospital, providing nourishment to those who need it most,” says Josh Patton, owner. “In addition to our fresh, tasty menu, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional and quick service in a warm, friendly environment.”

Created by Silicon Valley-based food robotics company Chowbotics, Sally the Robot offers thousands of custom meal and snack options from any combination of up to 22 ingredients, in addition to chef-crafted, pre-programmed bowls. Sally’s proprietary technology also reduces the risk of foodborne illness, as ingredients are kept sanitary and separate. Each of Sally’s ingredients is replenished on a regular basis and contained within the robot, greatly reducing the potential for contamination.