Kazakh entrepreneur Ismail Karankin founded the startup Oli Robotics, which develops an AI-powered barista robot. This robot prepares coffee using complex recipes, including signature drinks, and can interact with customers and correct mistakes during preparation. The project raised $150K in investment and became one of 30 startups from Central Asia selected for acceleration in the Silicon Valley Residency Program.
Oli Robotics Can Even Make Vanilla Raph
The Oli Robotics robot makes various types of coffee, including vanilla raph with banana milk, and performs latte art. It learns from professional baristas, allowing for accuracy in beverage preparation. The robot uses adaptive learning, which significantly reduces setup time.
50 Cups per Hour
The robot is energy-efficient and high-performing. Currently, it can prepare up to 50 cups per hour, with plans for the next version to increase this number to 120 cups per hour — the level of an experienced barista. The robot is also equipped with a mobile app that remembers user preferences and suggests personalized recipes. 
Robot Price
The price of one barista robot is $50,000, including maintenance and consumables. The startup targets markets where using a robot is more cost-effective than hiring a barista, such as gas stations or small hotels. The project has already attracted attention from potential clients and plans to enter the U.S. market, where the coffee market is valued at $28.06 billion in 2024, with projections to grow to $33.64 billion by 2029.
What the Entrepreneur Thinks About the Future of AI
“The cost of using AI will continue to decrease, and robots will create robots, as predicted by Jensen Huang (CEO of Nvidia),” says the entrepreneur. “But the main issue is data: there is little left, and companies are hiring experts to create benchmark solutions, training AI and opening up a new type of employment.”
Plans to Launch the Product in the U.S. Market
The startup Oli Robotics is currently undergoing the Silicon Valley Residency Program acceleration, part of the Silkroad Innovation Hub. The program aims to help startups from Central Asia enter the U.S. market. “The plan for 2025 is to launch the product, test it in various conditions, and attract investments,” said Ismail.
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