The bar selection on the Inebriator includes eight mixers (cranberry juice, orange juice, milk, pineapple juice, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, pomegranate juice, and red grape juice) and nine spirits (peach schnapps, vodka, gin, coconut rum, white rum, amaretto, coffee liquor, triple sec, and blue curacao). All the mixers are in plastic bottles in a cool box, and each bottle has two pipes. One is hooked to the gas tank (70 percent nitrogen and 30 percent carbon dioxide), while the other leads from the bottom of the bottle to a valve.
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.
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 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.
Interesting observations, ChasChas. here's one more observation courtesy of Homer Simpson... "Alcohol: the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems."
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.
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