Lawson expands use of TechMagic stir-fry cooking robots

Lawson has expanded the deployment of TechMagic’s “I-Robo 2” stir-fry cooking robot to three additional convenience store locations in Japan. The new sites include stores in Ebina, Yokohama, and Koto, offering a total of 13 different menu items, including fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, and yakisoba.

The I-Robo 2 is designed to automate the entire cooking process, from ingredient preparation and high-heat stir-frying at temperatures exceeding 300°C to the final cleaning of the pan. By replicating the “pan-flipping” motions of skilled chefs, the robot aims to provide consistent, freshly cooked quality while addressing labor shortages and allowing staff to focus on higher-value tasks.

Following a pilot phase, Lawson reported that sales of in-store cooked items increased by approximately 20% year-on-year. The technology allows customers to order via smartphones, in-store terminals, or registers, with cooking times ranging between 1.5 and 2.5 minutes.