How AI Automation Is Redefining Food Waste Reduction in Professional Kitchens: An Interview With Orbisk CEO Anastasia Dellis
Orbisk, a leader in European automated food-waste technology, is expanding into the U.S. market with its AI platform. The system, used by global hospitality brands, captures and interprets kitchen waste in real-time to provide operational guidance. This…
Orbisk, a leader in European automated food-waste technology, is expanding into the U.S. market with its AI platform. The system, used by global hospitality brands, captures and interprets kitchen waste in real-time to provide operational guidance. This has led to a significant reduction in waste costs, with typical sites cutting waste by approximately 70% and saving substantial amounts annually.
The U.S. market presents unique opportunities for Orbisk due to the scale of enterprise customers and the urgency around cost and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. Orbisk’s AI-powered features and integration capabilities allow for efficient deployment across complex organizations, making it well-suited to address the challenges in the U.S. foodservice sector.
The Orbi device utilizes on-device computer vision and a cloud AI stack to recognize ingredients, portions, and preparation context in near real-time. This automation eliminates the need for manual logging, providing immediate feedback to kitchen staff and generating a reliable dataset for AI-driven decision-making. The AI-Actions feature generates operational insights, offering clear recommendations to reduce overproduction and optimize procurement, which translates into measurable savings.
Experiences with major brands like Accor, Hyatt, and Carnival Cruise Line have highlighted the importance of proof of concept, reliability, and integration. These insights have informed Orbisk's strategy and product development, making its solutions more adaptable to the U.S. market.
Orbisk, a leader in European automated food-waste technology, is expanding into the U.S.
Carnival Cruise Line's collaboration with Orbisk to develop a motion-resistant AI model for ships demonstrates the system's adaptability. The 17% improvement in prep accuracy showcases AI's potential to perform reliably in dynamic environments, enhancing trust and adoption among chefs.
Orbisk's platform drives significant behavioral and operational shifts in kitchens, emphasizing data-driven decision-making and automation. High-performing sites integrate waste insights into procurement and menu decisions, achieving sustained reductions in waste and cost.
With a recent €8 million Series A funding round, Orbisk aims to accelerate its commercial strategy in the U.S., focusing on scaling its operations, enhancing product integrations, and forging strategic partnerships to support a faster path to market deployment.
Different regions exhibit varied approaches to food waste reduction. The U.S. presents both challenges and opportunities, requiring regional engagement and integration into procurement processes to drive effective execution.
Looking ahead, AI-powered automation is expected to drive the next generation of kitchen operations, moving from measurement to full automation. While achieving a zero-waste ecosystem globally requires broader policy and supply chain changes, Orbisk's AI solutions offer a path to near-zero avoidable waste in professional kitchens.
Based on reporting by TechBullion.