The United States Army has initiated a pilot program featuring a robotic dining facility at Camp Walker in South Korea. Launched on November 12, 2023, the program, named Market 19, aims to modernize food service operations for soldiers and civilians alike. The innovative system allows users to select menu items via a touchscreen interface, with the technology autonomously portioning, cooking, and plating each meal.
The robotic cooking system is designed to prepare meals based on established Army recipes. Menus feature a variety of options, including popular Korean dishes such as bibimbap, kimchi fried rice, and budae jjigae. A display screen provides nutritional information, enhancing the dining experience with health-conscious choices.
While the automated facility represents a significant leap in food service technology, it is not intended to eliminate human oversight. “Our culinary specialists will still handle food safety, ingredient prep, and quality control,” stated Chief Warrant Officer River Mitchell, the food advisor for the unit, in a Department of Defense press release. He emphasized that the goal of this initiative is to supplement existing systems, ensuring soldiers can be fed “anytime, anywhere.”
Mitchell explained that the automated system aims to allow food service personnel to concentrate on readiness training and enhancing meal quality. “Automation is one way we can modernize without losing our human touch,” he added. This pilot program is designed to last for six months, during which feedback will be collected to evaluate its effectiveness before considering broader implementation of robotic kitchens.
The initiative is part of the Pacific Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Capability program, an Army Pacific project focused on testing new technologies to bolster deterrence capabilities in the region. By integrating advanced robotics into food service, the Army seeks not only to improve efficiency but also to adapt to evolving operational needs.
As the program unfolds, the Army remains committed to balancing technological advancements with the essential human elements of service, ensuring that soldiers receive high-quality meals in a timely manner. The success of Market 19 could influence future dining operations within the military, shaping how food services are delivered in diverse environments.
