The Arrival of Robot Cafe 'b;eat' in Japan
In a bid to revolutionize the cafe scene,
Hillstone Japan Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has embarked on an exciting journey to introduce the autonomous robot cafe,
'b;eat,' to Japan. This initiative comes with the launch of a crowdfunding campaign on the popular platform
CAMPFIRE, aiming to raise 1 million yen by November 30, 2025. The funds raised will be dedicated to setting up the first store, with the grand opening scheduled for early 2026 in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Project Overview
The
'b;eat' cafe represents a fusion of AI and robotics, bringing a new dimension to the cafe experience. It aims to address the ongoing labor shortages in the food and beverage industry while catering to the rising demand for high-quality drinks that can be enjoyed casually in everyday life. Hillstone Japan envisions the
'b;eat' cafe as a place where warmth and hospitality can be felt, despite being largely automated.
Unique Features of 'b;eat'
Unlike traditional cafes,
'b;eat' combines the user-friendliness of vending machines with the quality of high-end cafes. Here are some highlights:
- - Coffee is brewed with professional machines made by De'Longhi and Eversys, ensuring top-notch quality.
- - The cafe uses locally sourced milk for its lattes, providing an authentic flavor.
- - A wide variety of beverages, including teas and fruit flavors, will be available.
- - The drinks are served by a state-of-the-art robotic arm manufactured by Denso, ensuring complete automation from order to delivery while still maintaining a warm aesthetic.
Crowdfunding Rewards
Musical to the ears of potential supporters, the crowdfunding campaign offers an array of enticing rewards:
- - Coffee vouchers for 'b;eat'
- - Invitations to the first-ever event in Japan featuring the cafe
- - Participation in tasting events
- - Exclusive merchandise as a token of appreciation
Additionally, there is an opportunity for small donations, making it accessible for everyone to contribute to this innovative project. Details can be found on the CAMPFIRE project page.
Future Plans
Once the first store opens in early 2026, the development will expand to urban areas like office districts and train stations. Hillstone Japan plans to implement an efficient operational system, utilizing AI for sales data analysis and IoT management. However, it’s important to note that timelines may adjust based on import and certification processes from Korea.
Statement from the CEO
Hironaka Daiki, the representative director of Hillstone Japan, expressed his vision for
'b;eat':
"Through our autonomous and 'smart' robot cafe, we aim to contribute to resolving the labor shortages affecting the dining industry. Our goal is to offer a futuristic hospitality experience that keeps customers coming back. We aspire to create a space where people can take a brief pause in their busy lives and still feel a sense of human warmth, even in a robotic environment. We wish to collaboratively build this new cafe culture with everyone."
Company Profile
- - Company Name: Hillstone Japan Co., Ltd.
- - Location: 5 Chome West Gotanda, Shinagawa, Tokyo
- - CEO: Hironaka Daiki
- - Business Areas: Unmanned robot cafe operations, beverage equipment, lodging services, etc.
- - Establishment: 2024
- - Official Website: Hillstone Japan
Partnerships
On August 21, 2025, a partnership ceremony was held between
Hillstone Japan,
Beat Corp, and
Danal Japan, signaling a strategic collaboration to bolster the cafe's launch efforts.
In conclusion, as the world continues to embrace technological advancements, the introduction of
'b;eat' in Japan stands as a promising glimpse into the future of dining, merging the charm of traditional cafes with the efficiency of automation.