XRobotics’ countertop robots are cooking up 25,000 pizzas a month

XRobotics is making waves in the pizza industry by introducing innovative robotic solutions that enhance operational efficiency in restaurants. Based in San Francisco, the company has developed the xPizza Cube, a countertop robot comparable in size to a stackable washing machine. This machine utilizes advanced machine learning algorithms to expertly apply sauce, cheese, and pepperoni to pizza dough, streamlining the pizza-making process. Leasing for $1,300 a month over a three-year term, the xPizza Cube can produce an impressive 100 pizzas every hour. It is also adaptable, capable of accommodating various pizza styles, including Detroit and Chicago deep dish. According to Denis Rodionov, co-founder and CEO of XRobotics, the robot can significantly reduce labor time, saving staff up to 80% in preparation time. "If you have a pepperoni pizza, you need to place 50 slices of pepperoni one by one," he explained, highlighting the repetitive nature of the task that the robot efficiently automates. While XRobotics is not the first to explore robotics in the restaurant sector, it differentiates itself from competitors like Zume, which raised over $420 million for its robotic pizza trucks before pivoting to sustainable packaging and ultimately shutting down in 2023. Rodionov believes that their approach of creating assistive technology rather than attempting a complete overhaul of pizza-making has been a key factor in their success. By designing a compact solution that fits into existing kitchens, they have made their robots accessible to a broad range of pizzerias, from small local shops to large chains. XRobotics began its journey in 2019, unveiling its first robot in 2021. The initial model was larger and capable of handling over 20 toppings, but it faced challenges similar to those encountered by other companies in the field. "We conducted a pilot with our large machine, which taught us valuable lessons," Rodionov admitted. "We realized the necessity for a smaller, more compact solution, which proved to be a tremendous success." In 2023, the company launched its current model, which is now producing 25,000 pizzas each month, although the exact number of customers remains undisclosed. Recently, XRobotics secured a $2.5 million seed round led by FinSight Ventures, with additional investments from SOSV, MANA Ventures, and Republic Capital. This funding will be directed towards increasing production and expanding the installation of additional robots for their clientele. With over 73,000 pizza chains operating in the U.S., XRobotics is firmly focused on the pizza sector for the time being. Plans are in place for expansion into Mexico and Canada. "We’re passionate about pizza, and we’ve sampled nearly every variation in cities like San Francisco, New York, and Chicago," Rodionov shared, adding that Detroit-style pizza, known for its square shape and crispy cheese crust, is his personal favorite.