大批中餐馆老板，开始抢购炒菜机器人

Core Viewpoint - The interest in cooking robots within the restaurant industry has surged this year, driven by the need to reduce labor costs and maintain stable food quality amidst rising operational expenses [3][6][10]. Group 1: Market Demand and Trends - Many chain restaurants are actively seeking cooking robots, with a notable example being a noodle chain planning to expand to 1,000 locations and inquiring about robot recommendations [3][8]. - The average price consumers are willing to pay for a meal has decreased to between 30 to 60 yuan, prompting restaurants to find ways to control costs while maintaining quality [5][6]. - The demand for cooking robots is particularly high among Chinese cuisine restaurants, which face intense competition and low profit margins [3][21]. Group 2: Implementation and Benefits - Companies like Xiaocaiyuan are investing significantly in cooking robots, planning to purchase 2,000 units at a cost of 50,000 yuan each, with the aim of enhancing operational efficiency [8][9]. - The introduction of cooking robots has led to a reduction in labor costs by approximately 40%, with faster meal preparation times and a decrease in kitchen space requirements by 30% [24][25]. - The use of cooking robots allows restaurants to maintain consistent food quality and flavor, as highlighted by Xiaocaiyuan's claims of precise seasoning and stable taste [10][14]. Group 3: Industry Challenges and Future Outlook - The shortage of skilled chefs is a growing concern, with training numbers declining from over 77,000 in 2019 to 63,000 in 2024, representing an 18% drop [18]. - The cooking robot market is divided into commercial and home-use categories, with commercial robots being more prevalent in restaurant settings [26][27]. - While home-use cooking robots have been introduced by brands like Xiaomi and Midea, they face challenges in user satisfaction and operational efficiency, indicating a need for further optimization before widespread adoption [30][31].