https://techcrunch.com/2022/03/15/bear-robotics-targets-restaurant-staffing-shortages-with-another-81m-raise/

One of the most interesting things about following food robotics startups over the past couple of years is tracking all of the different tasks companies are looking to automate, from prep to delivery. Bay Area-based Bear isn’t the only firm attempting to bring robots out in front of the the counter, but in recent years, it’s become one of the most prominent.

Bear has seen some success in deployment of late, including a bid to get its system in more restaurants in Japan. That push comes courtesy of backer SoftBank, as well as some ongoing labor shortages in the country. Japan has long eyed robots as a way to keep business moving for its aging population, and the pandemic only served to accelerate those needs. Here in the States, Bear has partnered with Chili’s, Compass Group, Denny’s, Marriott and Pepsi.