Jamba is expanding its test of a kiosk that automatically dispenses made-on-demand blended smoothies.
The specialty food service retailer has opened the second pilot location for its “Jamba by Blendid” kiosk, in collaboration with food automation platform provider Blendid. The kiosk uses an artificial intelligence-based automated platform for the contactless dispensing of blended smoothies.
The kiosk is located at the Stonewood Center in Downey, California. It comes some 10 months after Jambe unveiled the first pilot location, at a Walmart store in Dixon, California. “After a successful launch of our first Jamba by Blendid kiosk, we’re excited to open a second test kiosk at the Stonewood Center, bringing freshly blended smoothies to mall shoppers,” said Geoff Henry, President of Jamba. “Jamba by Blendid provides an opportunity for our local franchisees to make smoothies more accessible to Jamba fans, while leveraging the latest in technology to deliver contactless food.”
Customers can place orders in-person at the kiosk or they can order ahead with the Blendid app on Android or iOS. Blendid offers an autonomous, contactless food automation platform, known as foodOS, that leverages machine learning (ML), robotics, and AI to use ingredients to create food options made on-demand and customized to meet the preferences of individual consumers.
At launch, the kiosk in Stonewood Center will offer seven smoothies, as well as Jamba’s add-ins known as “boosts.” They are available in 14-ounce servings and can include one boost for no additional charge. Jamba plans to continue opening Jamba by Blendid kiosks in additional types of venues, such as big box retailers, shopping malls, gyms, hospitals, and college campuses.
