The US Army recently introduced an exciting twist to dining at Camp Walker in South Korea by opening its first autonomous dining facility, Market 19. This innovative setup allows soldiers to enjoy robot-cooked meals at any hour.
On November 12, the facility had its pilot showcase, featuring a Thanksgiving menu with dishes like turkey. Each meal costs around $7.50, and usual options include popular Korean dishes such as bibimbap and kimchi fried rice.
Here’s how it works: soldiers place their orders on a touchscreen, and a robot chef quickly prepares the food. The entire process takes about five minutes. “Regular mess halls have set meal times. This system gives us 24/7 access, which is a huge advantage,” shared a USFK official.
While automation might sound like it could replace human cooks, that’s not the case here. Chief Warrant Officer River Mitchell emphasized that the initiative aims to enhance food services, not replace staff. Human cooks are still vital for kitchen management, ensuring food quality and nutrition.
According to a recent survey by the Army, 70% of soldiers appreciate having flexible dining options. This new approach fits well into the modern military life, where convenience is key.
The rise of automated dining facilities in military settings is part of a broader trend. Other countries, like Japan and Germany, have also introduced robotic kitchens to streamline food service.
In summary, Market 19 marks a significant leap forward in how meals are served to soldiers, blending technology with convenience while maintaining the essential role of human oversight. It’s an exciting step toward the future of military dining.
Source link
The Korea Herald, Korean news, koreaHerald, South Korea news, South Korea news in english, Asia News, K-POP, KPOP, 코리아헤럴드,더코리아헤럴드,코리아 헤럴드
