When technology brings Vietnamese soul to every cup of coffee
Hanoi is entering a new era of coffee experiences - where technology and culture not only go hand in hand, but also blend harmoniously and emotionally. On the bustling Vu Pham Ham street, among the myriad of coffee shops springing up following the modern trend, there is an address that is causing a stir in the technology community with its unique "electric" service model: Twitter Beans Coffee.
With familiar names like Tu, Bao, Chi, Thu - names that naturally remind us of friends or waiters at a familiar shop, the robots at this coffee shop not only impress customers with their efficient performance, but also with the way they interact in a very "human" way. The first impression when entering the shop is not the fragrant smell of coffee or the sound of the machine grinding beans, but the round, glowing eyes and gentle smiles of the robot "staff" welcoming customers in a very human way.
The friendliest staff in the shop - Bao
More specifically, all the robots here are “made in Vietnam” products, a significant highlight that makes this place completely different from the technology service models in Japan, Korea or China. Programmed by Vietnamese engineers, these robots not only have simple mixing or transporting functions, but are also “taught” to understand and express Vietnamese cultural identity - from bowing gestures, polite smiles, to serving methods that are close enough but still retain the typical sophistication of the service industry.
"What we aim for is to help customers, especially young people and children, get acquainted with technology in real life. To implement the robot project, in addition to the robot hardware, we also invest in software, control programming, synchronizing the operating system, designing a suitable space and training the team" - Ms. Lam Kieu Oanh, CEO of Twitter Beans Coffee shared.
“Tu - the bartender” and the technical problem imbued with Vietnamese spirit
Among the robots at the shop, “Tu” is one of the most prominent characters - a robot barista meticulously programmed down to every movement. To ensure each cup of coffee is brewed to the right taste, engineers had to set up a series of detailed indicators such as the quantity of each ingredient, the pressure of espresso extraction, the tilt of the wrist when pouring milk, and even the stirring speed when making iced blended coffee.
Even seemingly small details such as the width of the machine's hand, the opening angle of the joints, or the height of the cup holder are all carefully calculated to suit Vietnamese brewing equipment - which has its own characteristics different from international standards. Therefore, each cup of coffee from "Tu" is not only delicious and standard but also bears the mark of understanding and closeness.
A dedicated photographer is always ready to capture the moment.
Letters of encouragement with lines of diary
When experiencing technology, it also needs to be cute.
Unlike the usual stiff industrial robots, “Chi” - the robot serving drinks at the shop is designed with a cute appearance, big round eyes and a gentle smile. This robot can recognize the table number, determine the distance and move precisely to the customer's position to bring the drink. Not at all clumsy or awkward, “Chi” gently approaches, smiles and turns gracefully to put the coffee on the table, then bows slightly before leaving - all like a trained professional staff.
Many young people were delighted to see a robot serving them in a friendly manner like a familiar person. Some took the opportunity to record videos and post them on TikTok, while others called the robot by its name, “Chi, come here and take a photo with me!” - an experience that was both interactive, cute, and technological.
The "machine" staff serve enthusiastically
Preserving the ancient spirit in a modern form
Perhaps the most surprising thing about this coffee shop is the appearance of a technological “calligrapher” - a robot programmed to write calligraphy. In the middle of a modern space, the appearance of a bamboo table, red paper, Chinese ink and a mechanical arm slowly waving a pen, writing each word “Phuc”, “Loc”, “Tho” makes everyone stunned. Many people exclaimed: “I thought it was just a technological game, who would have thought it could convey such emotions!”
“Thu” - the name of the robot calligrapher carries a special mission, bringing tradition into modern life in a completely new way. What makes this model unique is not only the application of technology to serve, but also the way it preserves the soul of Vietnamese culture in every robot movement.
"Tu" is always ready to make coffee whenever guests arrive.
It is this combination - between modern technology and traditional spirit - that creates an experience that is not only new, but also has depth and identity. Customers do not come to the cafe just to take pictures with robots, but also to reflect on how technology is gradually entering life in a humane way, respecting indigenous values.
The initial success of the first robot cafe in Hanoi is a clear demonstration of a new trend, technology is not the enemy of tradition, but can completely become a tool to highlight tradition in a more creative and personalized way.
The appearance of robots like Tu, Bao, Chi, Thu does not mean that humans will be replaced, but rather it is an affirmation of a future where humans and machines coexist and support each other to bring higher quality products, better service and deeper experiences. The staff at the shop are still there to explain, take care of customers, chat and create connections - something that machines cannot completely replace.
Futuristic cafe, modern technology
In the midst of a Hanoi that is changing every day, the robot cafe on Vu Pham Ham street is a symbol of innovation, not only in the way of doing F&B business, but also in the way of thinking about technology, culture and identity. This place is not simply a cafe, but an experience space where smiles, cups of coffee, calligraphy and together create a symphony of the times.
If you are a coffee lover, a technology lover, or simply someone who is looking for something new in your daily life, you will probably find something special here. A place where even though a robot brings coffee to your table, you still feel warm inside like being served by an old friend.
