Bernard Frisque
Two white arms, blue eyes and a coffee ordered on a screen: at Brussels-Central, the robot barista really exists. BXLPositive went to see… and taste.
On level −1 of the station, a robot behind a glass window serves coffees, lattes and iced teas. The brand is called MJ Drink. Its slogan sets the tone: “Drink the future, live the moment”.
The kiosk combines on-screen ordering, two robotic arms and drink-preparation equipment. Once the order is ready, a compartment at the front lets you collect it. Espresso, cappuccino, latte or iced drinks: the menu goes beyond the morning coffee.
The double espresso crash test
On Monday 9 November, Bernard Frisque tested the double espresso for BXLPositive. First finding: it seemed lukewarm to him.
A settings issue? A one-off glitch with the machine? Impossible to say from a single cup. We will come back to taste it again.
The robot doesn’t have our taste buds to judge its espresso. It might, however, have sensors to monitor temperature: we have not yet been able to check the controls built into this model. This first test is a reminder that between preparing a drink and serving a good coffee, settings and follow-up matter too.
Will robots replace waiters? Not just yet.
Moving a cup and chaining gestures together is not the whole job. Welcoming, advising, hearing a remark and fixing what is wrong are also part of service.
This installation nevertheless shows how robotics is finding its place in busy transit spaces. MJ Drink presents its offer as robotic preparation; the exact manufacturer and model of the machine remain to be confirmed with the brand.
So at Central Station you can already order your coffee from a robot. For our double espresso, we are still waiting for a few more degrees. See you at the next test! 💙
📍 MJ Drink — level −1 of Brussels-Central, Carrefour de l’Europe 2, 1000 Brussels.
Test and photos: Bernard Frisque. BXLPositive newsroom, with AI assistance.
🔗 Sources & verifiable links
- MJ Drink — official website: https://mjdrink.be/
- MJ Drink — drinks menu: https://mjdrink.be/services/
