SoftBank Robotics Corp. is bringing its automated kitchen technology to the U.S., debuting two autonomous cooking systems, STEAMA and FLAMA, as part of a broader push into the American foodservice market.
The company will showcase both robots at the National Restaurant Association Show 2026, taking place May 16th to 19th in Chicago. The launch marks a key step in SoftBank Robotics’ global expansion strategy built around what it calls FOOD DX, or food digital transformation.
STEAMA is designed specifically for noodle preparation, using high-pressure, high-temperature steam to cook frozen dishes in about 90 seconds. The system is built for one-touch operation, aiming to deliver consistent texture and flavor by evenly heating noodles, broth, and ingredients. The goal is to replicate the quality of freshly prepared meals while reducing the complexity of kitchen work.
FLAMA takes a broader approach, automating the full cooking process from start to finish. The robot handles ingredient input, seasoning, stir-frying, mixing, thickening, plating, and even post-cooking cleaning. It also integrates with recipe management software that allows dishes from chefs and restaurants to be replicated consistently across different locations.
The timing reflects growing pressure across the U.S. food industry. Operators are dealing with labor shortages, rising costs, and ongoing challenges with retention, all while facing increasing expectations for speed and consistency from customers. These issues are not limited to traditional restaurants and are spreading into corporate dining, retail food courts, and large-scale food programs.
SoftBank Robotics is positioning its systems as a way to stabilize operations by reducing reliance on manual labor while standardizing output. By combining automation with software-driven recipe control, the company is aiming to create a more scalable and predictable model for foodservice.
The U.S. debut of STEAMA and FLAMA signals a larger shift as robotics companies move beyond single-function tools and begin targeting entire workflows. In this case, the kitchen itself is becoming the system.
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