The machine comes with a Hitachi HD44780 compatible display to display drink information and buttons to navigate the menu. The Inebriator also boasts a stepper motor to drive the drink shelf, with acceleration and deceleration to allow high speed without spilling, and a DC motor to operate the optics.
Nice use of tapping into the power of the Arduino platform. The addition of the RFID sensor to cut off those that partake too much is clever. I have to say, the Siri-driven margarita maker looks a little less cludgey and more appealing to me.
I don't drink alcohol but from what I've seen, the interaction between the bartender and guest is important. The skill needed to make a "good drink" or even get create something new and unique is appreciated. Perfection isn't required.
This looks cool but it's dry and impersonal. It's the equivalent of an automated sushi chef.
Agreed it defeats the point, Nadine. Plus after watching the video, all the different stops for different alcohol flavors coupled with the LED colored flashing lights gave it a rather manufactured feel, not to mention, giving me a slight hang over. Too much like the equvialent of fast food for cocktails. I'll stick with a cocktail made with hands-on professional attention. Maybe we could pair this machine with the Popinator!
NadineJ, I agree. The machine is very impersonal and I don't really see the point behind it. The entertainment behind it is loss by the robo-tech appearance. I'm an advocate for robots that perform tasks too dangerous for humans but making drinks for social events just doesn't seem right. Although the machine has no appeal to me, I agree with using the Arduino Mega2560 microcontroller platform in managing the Inebriator's extensive I/O.
I find few things more annoying than an automated phone attandant, but these days, nearly every company uses them instead of a human operator. If someone can find a way to eliminate the need for a human bartender and save money, this will become popular, too, unfortunately.
Chuck, while I'm not so sure this machine really beats the human bartender, there are some automated functions that have really earned their keep. I prefer the ATM to the inside-the-building teller. Paying a bill online or via an automated system on the phone beats mailing the coupon. And half the time I make a phone call, I prefer reaching voicemail. I can efficiently deliver my message and go.
This is a cool machine, but from the bartenders I've seen, this machine would be a tad slow. However, I'm sure this would be useful for tracking drinks, tracking supply consumption, and controlling portions.
I think the automated bartender would have it's niche, but I'll stick with the good old fashioned human for quickness and knowledge of mixology. This in no way takes away from the design and function of The Inebriater; great project, use of microcontrollers and other technologies.
Yes, it is a good display of technology, Notarboca. Even if this isn't a reasonable replacement for a bartender, it does show off technology that would be very useful in other automation and control settings.
I agree with Rob and mrdon: cool machine, but when you are talking spirits, there is no substitute for a human at the controls for alcohol. Not only is a good bartender fun to watch and to converse with, they can vary the amounts of alcohol to fit the customer and situation, and they are fast. What happens when the machine breaks and the bartender doesn't know how to make an Alabama Slammer? You don't want to know. :}
Maybe this machine needs a breathalizer attached, that would prevent you from getting drinks at all after a certain amount, or regulate the amount of alcohol in your drinks accordingly. Yea... then you could take all the fun out of going to a bar. This kind of device is indicative of our changing business landscape, that is... removing people from the equation so that someone can make more money than they deserve, and supply an inferior product.
I agree with the earlier comment that this machine was designed to display motion control technology and not meant to seriously replace a bartender. Though the machine is fun to watch, when compared to a bartender in a busy situation, it is really rather slow.
Interesting observations, ChasChas. here's one more observation courtesy of Homer Simpson... "Alcohol: the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems."
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