By: Natasha Levenson
San Francisco Bay, CA – The World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2024 in Shanghai concluded with much fanfare earlier this month, bringing together over 1,300 influential figures from more than 50 countries. This year’s event, renowned for fostering innovation and collaboration, featured the robotic coffee barista Cofe+, which captivated attendees with its efficiency, freshness, and safety. The visionary design lead behind Cofe+, Xinyue Guo, discusses the user experience and the meticulous design process that brought this product to life.
Xinyue Guo’s inspiration for Cofe+ stemmed from the desire to create a modern coffee experience that could serve people efficiently, fresh, and safely, regardless of the time or place. “We wanted to create something that could serve people 24/7, whether they’re in an office building, airport, park, or plaza. The idea was to combine the expertise of a professional barista with the precision and reliability of a robotic arm,” she explained. The result is a machine capable of grinding and brewing a premium cup of coffee in just 50 seconds, providing a seamless and contactless experience through a mobile app or on-machine pad screen.
To ensure Cofe+ met the needs of diverse users, Xinyue and her team conducted extensive research, including field studies in various locations and user feedback sessions. This comprehensive approach aimed to make Cofe+ intuitive and accessible, especially in the post-COVID era, where minimizing physical contact is crucial. The result is a product that seamlessly integrates into various environments, from office buildings to public parks, catering to a wide range of coffee enthusiasts.
Xinyue’s background in both design and engineering has been instrumental in the development of Cofe+. Her philosophy of taking the more challenging path has driven her to push the boundaries of what is possible. “My experiences across different countries, schools, and work environments have taught me to approach challenges creatively and persistently,” she shared. This interdisciplinary approach, combined with a rational design process that emphasizes research, prototyping, and iteration, has allowed her to collaborate effectively with project managers and engineers, ensuring that Cofe+ is not only functional but also user-friendly.
Under Xinyue’s design leadership, Cofe+ has garnered significant recognition, including the International Design Awards (IDA) 2024 and the European Product Design Award (ePDA) 2022. These accolades are a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication. “Winning these awards is incredibly gratifying and a validation of our vision,” Xinyue said. The recognition highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in achieving excellence and sets a new standard for what robotic solutions can accomplish in everyday life.
As AI and robotics continue to evolve, Xinyue sees immense potential for these technologies to transform daily tasks. “Cofe+ is just one example of how AI and robotics can be seamlessly integrated into everyday activities,” she noted. The success of Cofe+ at WAIC 2024 underscores the transformative power of technology in enhancing convenience and efficiency. By keeping the user at the center of the design process and remaining open to new possibilities, Xinyue believes that more innovative products will emerge, offering experiences that were previously unimaginable.
Being part of WAIC 2024 was a significant milestone for Cofe+ and Xinyue’s design team. The conference, which facilitated the signing of 24 major industrial projects valued at over 40 billion yuan ($5.5 billion) and connected 132 procurement groups, provided valuable networking opportunities and insights. “It was an honor to be part of WAIC 2024. The conference is a melting pot of ideas and innovations,” Xinyue remarked. Presenting Cofe+ and receiving positive feedback from industry leaders and peers was incredibly rewarding.
Looking ahead, Xinyue and her team have several plans to enhance Cofe+ further. This includes expanding its market to North America and exploring new features that can improve the user experience. They are also considering potential collaborations with other innovators in the AI and robotics space. “Our goal is to keep pushing the boundaries and setting new standards for what robotic solutions can achieve,” she said.
In conclusion, Xinyue Guo’s passion for design and innovation is evident in every aspect of Cofe+. Her dedication to creating a seamless and efficient coffee experience has set a new standard in the industry, earning Cofe+ well-deserved recognition. As AI and robotics continue to evolve, products like Cofe+ pave the way for a future where technology enhances people’s daily lives in ways never thought possible.
Xinyue’s remarkable vision and commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to designers and innovators everywhere. Her work on Cofe+ not only showcases her extraordinary talent but also sets a benchmark for future technological advancements. It is a privilege to witness her journey and contributions to the field, and many look forward to seeing what she will achieve next.
Published by: Holy Minoza
