Automation in Coffee

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The November/December 2024 issue of Global Coffee Report features information on Unic’s commitment to automation, through an open discussion with Tommaso Fontana-Rava, Unic General Manager, and Lisa Levi, Director of Marketing and Customer Experience.

When we think about automation, futuristic visions of robots serving coffee often come to mind. However, the roots of automation in the coffee industry stretch back to early 20th-century. A pioneer in this field, French espresso machine manufacturer Unic has been integrating automation since its founding in 1919. Unic’s first machine, the Idrotermica, could roast, grind, and brew coffee beans, making it one of the earliest examples of a “bean-to-cup” machine.

Unic’s commitment to automation grew in the 1960s with the release of its first super-automatic machine, the Contact. This innovation streamlined baristas’ workflows and allowed them to focus on customers rather than technical details. Over the years, Unic continued to introduce new patents and technologies to improve barista comfort and coffee quality, including the Dosamat automatic dosing system and the Easylock hydraulic portafilter to reduce wrist strain.

The actual Tango XP and Stella Epic machines exemplify Unic’s dedication to quality and ease of use. These machines ensure consistent flavor, simplify calibration, and enable efficient workflows in bustling cafés. For Unic, automation is about creating reliable, high-quality coffee experiences and allowing baristas to connect with customers.

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