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When technology brings the soul of Vietnam 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 intertwine harmoniously and emotionally. On the bustling Vu Pham Ham street, amidst countless cafes springing up in line with modern trends, there is one establishment causing a stir among tech enthusiasts with its unique "electric-powered" service model: Twitter Beans Coffee.
Named familiar names like Tú, Bảo, Chi, and Thư – names that evoke memories of friends or staff at a favorite cafe – the robots at this coffee shop impress customers not only with their efficient operation but also with their human-like interactions. The first impression upon entering the cafe isn't the fragrant aroma of coffee or the sound of grinding machines, but the bright, round eyes and gentle smiles of the robot "employees" welcoming customers in a very human way.
The friendliest staff member at the restaurant - Bao
More specifically, all the robots here are "made in Vietnam," a significant highlight that sets this place apart from similar service-oriented models in Japan, South Korea, or China. Programmed by Vietnamese engineers, these robots not only perform simple functions like beverage preparation or delivery, but are also "taught" to understand and express Vietnamese cultural identity – from bowing gestures and polite smiles to a service style that is both approachable and refined, characteristic of the service industry.
"Our goal is to help customers, especially young people and children, become familiar with technology in real life. To implement the robot project, in addition to the hardware (the robots), we also invest in software, programming control, synchronizing the operating system, designing a suitable space, and training the team," shared Ms. Lam Kieu Oanh, CEO of Twitter Beans Coffee.
"Tu - the bartender" and the technical challenge imbued with Vietnamese spirit.
Among the robots at the cafe, "Tu" is one of the most prominent – a robotic barista meticulously programmed down to every movement. To ensure each cup of coffee is brewed to perfection, engineers had to set a series of detailed parameters such as the quantity of each ingredient, the espresso extraction pressure, the angle of the wrist when pouring milk, and even the stirring speed when making iced blended coffee.
Even seemingly small details like the width of the robotic arm, the opening angle of the joints, or the height of the cup holder are carefully calculated to suit Vietnamese brewing equipment – which has its own unique characteristics different from international standards. Therefore, each cup of coffee from "Tú" is not only delicious and authentic but also bears the mark of understanding and closeness.
A dedicated photographer is always ready to wait and capture the moment.
The letter was filled with handwritten notes.
When it comes to experiencing technology, it should be lovely too.
Unlike the typical rigid industrial robots, "Chi"—the drink-serving robot at the cafe—is designed with a cute appearance, big round eyes, and a gentle smile. This robot can identify table numbers, determine distances, and move precisely to the customer's location to deliver drinks. Without any clumsiness or awkwardness, "Chi" gently approaches, smiles, and gracefully turns to place the coffee on the table, then bows slightly before leaving—all like a professionally trained employee.
Many young people were delighted to see a robot serving in a friendly, approachable manner. 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 picture with me!" - an experience that was both interactive, cute, and technologically advanced.
The "robotic" staff provided enthusiastic service.
Preserving the spirit of the past in a modern form.
Perhaps the most surprising feature of this cafe is the appearance of a technological "calligrapher"—a robot programmed to write calligraphy. Amidst the modern setting, the presence of a bamboo table, red paper, ink, and a robotic arm slowly wielding a brush to write the characters for "Happiness," "Prosperity," and "Longevity" left everyone stunned. Many exclaimed, "I thought it was just a technological game, but who knew it could convey such emotion!"
"Thu" - the name given to the robot calligrapher - carries a special mission: to bring 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 essence of Vietnamese culture in every movement of the robot.
"Tu" is always ready to type up coffee whenever a customer arrives.
This combination—of modern technology and traditional spirit—creates an experience that is not only novel but also profound and distinctive. Customers come to the cafe not just to take photos with the robots, but also to reflect on how technology is gradually entering life in a humane way, respecting local values.
The initial success of Hanoi's first robot cafe is clear evidence of a new trend: technology is not the enemy of tradition, but can instead become a tool to highlight tradition in a more creative and personalized way.
The appearance of robots like Tú, Bảo, Chi, and Thư doesn't mean humans will be replaced, but rather affirms a future where humans and machines coexist and support each other to deliver higher quality products, better service, and more immersive experiences. Staff at the cafe will still be present to explain things, take care of customers, chat, and build connections – something that machines haven't been able to completely replace yet.
A futuristic, technologically advanced coffee shop.
Amidst a rapidly changing Hanoi, the robot-themed cafe on Vu Pham Ham Street stands as a symbol of innovation, not only in its F&B business model but also in its approach to technology, culture, and identity. It's more than just a cafe; it's an experiential space where smiles, cups of coffee, calligraphy, and calligraphy come together to create a symphony of the times.
If you're a coffee lover, a tech enthusiast, or simply someone looking for something new in your daily life, you might find something special here. A place where, even though robots bring your coffee to your table, you'll still feel a warmth in your heart, as if you were being served by an old friend.
