Hey there, robotic bartender

This bartender is totally robotic, and will save you time when trying to order at a bar. The tabletop vending machine-like device will intuitively serve you. Place your order by pushing the touchscreen or send orders from your phone, and then the Monsieur will blend your drink of choice. The device can make up to 300 types of drinks.

At 20 inches high and 21 inches wide, the Monsieur’s touchscreen controls the coolers, pumps, sensors, and all other integrated mechanical components to mix the drink. There is an opening below the device where users place their cups and wait for the drink to fully pour.

Barry Givens, the CEO of Monsieur, conjured up this invention one day while waiting in line at a bar during the NBA Finals. The machine itself came to fruition with the help of Eric Williams, a Georgia Tech alum, who became the chief technology officer of the operation. The duo took contributions on Kickstarter to get the project ready to roll.  

Currently, each robotic bartender comes with 12 themes, including “cigar bar,” “bachelorette party,” and “Irish pub.” The Monsieur currently serves liquor-based drinks, but will eventually expand their line to offer beer, Champagne, and wine. Drinkers can make their own themes and concoctions with the Monsieur, and share them via their social media networks.

Monsieur possesses a certain sort of intelligence. It can recommend drinks based on users’ past orders, the time of day, or season. Users can also program their robotic bartenders from their smartphones to pour them a drink at a certain time of day, so the drink is ready to consume once they walk in the door.

There is a “responsibility” section of Monsieur’s mobile app, where people enter their weight and gender. The app will automatically calculate how much liquor you’ve consumed and your approximate blood-alcohol number. The Monsieur app sends you a notification when you are nearing your body's maximum limit, when consumed too much liquor, and will direct you to the Uber app so you can arrive home safely via a taxi.  

To monitor the underage-drinking epidemic, Williams and Givens have suggested that bars administer radio frequency wristbands when IDs are checked. The wristbands will contain RFID chips that confirm that the wearer is 21+. Customers will have to scan their wristbands on the machine before Monsieur will deliver a drink.

An eventual feature will be created that allows consumers to pay for the drinks online and/or swipe cards on the machine.

The Monsieur currently retails for $5,000, with a $1,000 setup fee, and a $299 per month subscription that encompasses tech support and a web-accessible app.

Story via CNN