Hong Kong launches first AI-powered smart catering robot

share on

twitter /
facebook /
linkedin /
- email
- telegram
- whatsapp
- wechat
- pinterest
- line
- snapchat
- reddit

Hong Kong has launched its first catering robot, a system that applies AI technology to local food and beverage retail scenarios. It aims to provide freshly prepared hot meals around the clock, with fully automated operations that handle ordering, reheating and meal dispensing.

Named the "Hey Food Smart Catering Robot", the initiative is launched collaboratively by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and China Resources Enterprise Property Investment Company (CREP).

This project exemplifies cross-departmental success in deploying cutting-edge technology while upholding strict food safety standards, opening promising opportunities in smart retail.

Notably, it has been officially launched in Hong Kong by CREP, combining technological solutions from mainland China with local industry expertise. Based on images released by the company, customers can place orders via the screen and pay by QR code, or use the Xinghui app (幸匯) to complete the process on their mobile device.

The director-general of investment promotion of InvestHK, Alpha Lau, said, "InvestHK has always maintained close communication and collaboration with government bureaux and departments to continuously enhance Hong Kong's business environment. The latest Budget emphasises on promoting the industrialisation of AI and encouraging its wider adoption. We are very pleased to see these technologies being adopted in the catering industry, opening up new directions for smart retail."

"This project also fully demonstrates the result of cross-departmental collaboration in facilitating the successful implementation of innovative technologies while ensuring compliance with local regulations and food safety requirements. I look forward to seeing more companies leverage Hong Kong's business advantages to further expand its presence in the city and across the Asia-Pacific region," Lau added.

Meanwhile, the director of FEHD, Donald Ng, said, "The FEHD has always encouraged and facilitated innovation in the catering industry to bring more diverse dining experiences to the public, while safeguarding food safety and public hygiene. For this project, the FEHD maintained close communication with the relevant companies, providing guidance on legal requirements and hygiene standards to facilitate their acquisition of the necessary food business licences. I am pleased to see the smooth implementation of this project and look forward to more technological applications in the catering industry in the future to continuously elevate service standards."

Deputy general manager of CREP Zhang Linjun (pictured second right) said, "CREP is committed to building a one-stop overseas expansion service platform to help Mainland brands establish a presence in Hong Kong and explore business opportunities. Leveraging our two decades of resources and experiences in Hong Kong's commercial market, we have assisted Mainland companies in establishing their technological and business operations in Hong Kong. We have also developed a deep partnership with InvestHK to promote the application of innovative technologies in the catering sector, while tackling daily challenges in the industry."

"This initiative will offer Hong Kong residents more diverse dining options in various scenarios, including remote areas, busy districts and late-night hours. Going forward, we will further expand the scope of co-operation to help the smart catering business form a scaled operational network," Zhang added.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to InvestHK and FEHD for more information.

Be part of #Content360 Singapore, 22–23 April 2026, where creativity and culture collide. Explore how AI-driven storytelling is shaping the future of content, gain practical insights, discover new tactics, and learn how the best in Asia are creating campaigns that truly resonate.

share on