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Summarize
Shanghai plans 'AI dining' revolution with robot chefs, smart kitchens
The initiative will be completed by 2028

Shanghai plans 'AI dining' revolution with robot chefs, smart kitchens

Nov 16, 2025
04:40 pm

What's the story

Shanghai, China's premier city, is gearing up for a major transformation in the dining sector. The city has announced an ambitious plan to turn local restaurants into "smart" establishments by 2028. The initiative will see the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), automated kitchens, robot servers, data-driven menus, and intelligent supply chains into the food service industry.

Implementation strategy

Shanghai's action plan for smart restaurants

The action plan, released by Shanghai's commerce commission and four other municipal bureaus, seeks to push catering businesses across the city to adopt new technologies in their operations over the next three years. The document states that more than 70% of operations in group dining, fast-food and drink chains will incorporate smart technologies throughout their value chains.

Industry impact

Shanghai's AI dining initiative to reshape food service sector

The AI dining initiative is expected to have a major impact on China's food service sector. It could change the way meals are prepared and even affect the labor market. The plan also promises to create several smart central kitchens, launch three to five "AI + dining" pilot projects, and nurture leading smart solution providers for the catering industry.