Singapore will launch its first AI-powered autonomous kitchen pilot on 9 September 2025, with homegrown solution ChefGenie leading the initiative at Punggol Digital District.

The six-month trial, supported by Enterprise Singapore, will involve local food and beverage (F&B) brands testing automated kitchens as a manpower-lean model for expansion. The project aims to address manpower shortages, rising costs, and consumer acceptance of autonomous dining concepts.

AI kitchens debut at Punggol Digital District

The pilot will be officially launched by Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, and Culture, Community and Youth, Ms Low Yen Ling. Punggol Digital District, developed as a testbed for smart solutions, will serve as the first site for ChefGenie’s deployment.

Eight local brands will showcase dishes at an autonomous international food fair, including Warong Pak Sapari (MICHELIN Bib Gourmand), Springleaf Prata (MICHELIN recommended), Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks and Takagi Ramen. Meals such as hand-pulled prata, laksa broth and Japanese ramen will be prepared using ChefGenie’s proprietary smart kitchen technology.

Addressing manpower challenges in F&B

ChefGenie is developed by Singapore-based Aikit, which previously created InstaChef, an automated food vending solution. The company said its new platform is designed to replicate complex cooking techniques with precision, offering freshly prepared meals within minutes.

The system also automates backend processes including inventory tracking, ingredient replenishment and demand forecasting. By combining culinary authenticity with automation, Aikit said ChefGenie offers a scalable way for F&B operators to expand while reducing reliance on manpower.

Jason Lim, Director of Food Services and Heartland Enterprises at Enterprise Singapore, said: “Autonomous kitchens are one way for F&B operators to develop new business models through the use of AI and technology. This pilot is also a good showcase of how brands can collaborate and collectively open new channels for growth.”

What’s next for ChefGenie

To mark its launch, ChefGenie will offer 4,000 meals at $1.99 each from 9 to 14 September at Punggol Coast Mall. The meals, available daily from 12pm to 8pm while stocks last, will allow the public to sample freshly cooked dishes prepared by the AI-powered kitchens.

Following the pilot, Aikit plans to expand ChefGenie across Singapore and position it as a model for how food and technology can work together to strengthen the F&B sector.