Product of the week: teaBOT

The Toronto-based startup teaBOT is creating a retail platform for customized grab-and-go tea – without the need for a dedicated employee.

The robotic kiosk allows customers to order a cup of loose-leaf tea via the teaBOT’s touch screen interface or a personal smartphone. With 18 ingredients to choose from, customers are able to create their own tea blends (or select from a list of popular blends) and select their desired water temperature. The teaBOT is then able to prepare the beverage in less than a minute. Customers are also able to order their own blend for at-home preparation. Payment is made via an onboard credit card terminal.

teaBOT was created by Rehman Merali who is completing his PhD in Aerospace Robotics at the University of Toronto, and Brian Lee, a professional engineer with a Masters Degree in Engineering Design from McMaster University.

Developing a robotic tea kiosk was inspired by Lee’s mother’s teashop in Sudbury, where the customer lineup was often outside the door. Lee and Merali decided to build a robot that could quickly brew a cup of tea to streamline the process.

The idea was accepted into Rotman’s Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) at the University of Toronto where Merali and Lee developed a prototype in a matter of months. After graduating from the CDL, they joined MaRS JOLT where the first consumer-facing machine was created and tested at several sites around Toronto.

With teaBOTS now in Toronto, California, Washington State and British Columbia, the company is seeking a limited number of partnersfor its profit-sharing program. In exchange for 10 feet of high-traffic space, the company will deliver, set-up and replenish a teaBOT at no charge.

teaBOT is one of many products that will be featured at the RC Show, which runs Sunday (Feb. 26) to Tuesday (Feb. 28) at the Enercare Centre in Toronto.