Technological advancements in the coffee industry have changed the way the world engages with coffee. From machine harvesting to large-scale roasting, the upgrades have lent a great deal of convenience and variety to the coffee experience.
We are now in the midst of another transformative era in the coffee space.
Artificial intelligence has permeated different facets of the industry. Its far-reaching consequences on the entire supply chain can drastically affect the future of coffee and the level of human touch involved at various stages.
AI is a field of science that uses machine learning and algorithms to automate tasks. In this blog post, we will explore how AI has impacted the coffee industry.
Current Use of AI in the Production & Distribution of Coffee
Starting with coffee production, there are agritech startups that have developed technologies that allow coffee producers to assess and grade the quality of green coffee.
Using computer scanners/ cameras, machine learning systems, and data about coffee quality, these tech softwares can check each green bean for defects and discolouration.
Further, some of them even analyse the chemical composition of the green coffee to match it to notes on the flavour wheel. This allows for a quick and precise assessment of batches of coffee, without the need for manually sorting them or cupping the coffee to know its sensory profile.
Coffee equipment manufacturing companies are increasingly looking into integrating their machines with VIS, i.e. a virtual scale that uses AI to allocate the correct ingredients and brew coffee based on predefined recipes built into the system.
Have you ever wondered how your espresso machine knows exactly when to stop pouring coffee even when you haven’t specified the beverage quantity? These machines use a predictive drip algorithm to ensure consistency in every cup.
Similarly, AI has also entered the coffee roastery. Select coffee roasters now employ camera-based algorithms to automate coffee roasting based on a standard that is input. These roasting machines track the progress of each bean in real time so that the coffee is not over or under-roasted.
There is also a coffee roasting machine that incorporates audio technology and sound sensors to identify the different stages of cracks in the coffee beans and control the roasting process accordingly.
You must have seen numerous reels of AI server bots whipping up a latte in no time, complete with latte art design on the surface. These robotic arms connected to a system are fully automated once the order has been punched in.
Just like with the use of the Virtual Intelligence Scale, these robot baristas can measure ingredients, define ratios, and pour a cup of joe as per the order. It is not common to find these AI baristas in your next-door coffee shop but perhaps that day is not too far off.
Future Potential & Developments of AI in Coffee Industry
Since we know how the crux of AI works, we can estimate the spaces that it will quickly occupy once such a system has been created. Here are a few ideas as to what AI can be commonly used for in the future:
- AI sensors installed in coffee farms can help coffee farmers a great deal by detecting coffee ripeness, soil health, weather forecasting, and assisting in pest control. This will help the farmer make more informed decisions regarding coffee cultivation and harvesting, with the objective of increasing work efficiency and quality yield.
- Based on market insights and data about customer preferences, AI technology can help craft blends, predict trends, and manage logistics that would help coffee producers stay ahead of the curve. This can be especially helpful to small coffee businesses that may not always have the resources to cater to a large market. But if AI-driven apps could assist them in improving their service, it would certainly be a step in the right direction.
- AI systems could one day help every coffee consumer trace the source/ origin of their coffee, allowing for more transparency and the enforcement of ethical sourcing. Imagine having an app on your phone that scans coffee beans and is able to promptly give you information about the exact coffee farm it has come from and who your coffee farmer is.
One of the main drawbacks, and a legitimate concern, of using AI in the coffee industry is just how many jobs it will cut down. Sure, by getting the repetitive tasks out of the way, it makes room for coffee professionals to focus on the creative side of things.
But where do we draw the line between inventing technologies for efficiency and just letting machines take over every space in the coffee industry? That’s something worth thinking about.