Barcelona Airport launches the world’s first AI-powered robotic restaurant to enhance passenger dining experience

Credit: Areas

Barcelona Airport (BCN) has launched SELF, the world’s first AI-powered robotic restaurant in an airport, in partnership with Areas, a leading Spanish multinational in food & beverage and travel retail. Covering 137m², SELF offers popular airport food such as coffee, premium sandwiches, juices, pastries, salads, pokes, desserts, and soft drinks, ensuring daily freshness and quality.

Sergio Rodríguez, CEO of Areas Iberia, said that: “This project marks a milestone in food&beverage and travel retail and reaffirms our entrepreneurial spirit, capacity for innovation and transformational vocation to lead new trends in the industry.

“Areas is a leader in this industry and one of our main goals is to offer travellers the best possible experience through pioneering projects, new service models and advanced technological solutions that optimise operational processes and improve their customer experience.”

Details of Barcelona Airport’s new AI restaurant 

Developed with Spanish engineering by IJRRobótica and AEV, SELF integrates technology from MasterCard, Kuka, ICG, and brands like Coca-Cola, Lavazza, Danone, and Mahou San Miguel, with design contributions from GAC 3000 and Espluga + Associates. This pioneering project is the result of years of research into evolving traveller preferences.

SELF enhances efficiency with an advanced robotic arm capable of handling six orders simultaneously. Customers order and pay via touchscreen, receive a QR-coded ticket, and are notified on a screen when their tray is ready. AI-powered machine vision enables SELF to optimize real-time decisions, improving speed and service quality.

The collaboration between Areas, Aena, and strategic partners has brought SELF to BCN, one of Europe’s busiest hubs. The system operates autonomously while working closely with human staff to enhance customer experience, ensuring personalised service, efficient inventory management, and optimised procurement.