Revolutionizing Catering: How Smart Kitchens and Robots Are Solving Labor Shortages in 2026

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Industry insiders say the foodservice sector needs to pivot to robot- and AI-driven “smart kitchens” to ease staffing shortages and improve workplace safety.

On April 8 at the aT Center in Yangjae-dong, Seoul, Kim Jaesung, head of Wellstory’s Innovation Lab, told attendees at Samsung Wellstory’s B2B food-and-beverage expo, 2026 Food Festa, that kitchen automation is essential to address both ESG goals and labor shortages.

Kim warned that the contract food industry is facing a workforce crunch as its staff ages. He pointed out that facilities located on the outskirts, like factory cafeterias, are particularly hard-pressed to recruit and retain workers, increasing operational strain. When safety concerns are added into the mix, the industry’s challenges deepen.

Kim noted that some cases of pneumonia among school-food workers have even been recognized as occupational illnesses. As the workforce ages—especially those handling cooking and heating tasks—companies are increasingly turning to smart-kitchen solutions to protect employees and maintain service.

He also said global firms are accelerating their push into smart kitchens. “Google is investing in software, Tesla is developing the Optimus robot, and Hyundai Motor is advancing humanoid tech through Boston Dynamics,” Kim said, predicting that robots will expand their presence across kitchens and many other industries.

Kim highlighted the appeal of humanoid robots, saying they’re especially competitive because they can be deployed without overhauling existing kitchen layouts. Traditional automation often requires renovation, he explained, whereas humanoids can operate in environments designed for human workers.

To keep pace with these shifts, Samsung Wellstory is investing in related technologies. Kim said the company established a research lab this year dedicated to automated smart kitchens and is focused on developing new robotic automation and accelerating AI integration.

Samsung Wellstory is running the 2026 Wellstory Food Festa through the 10th of this month. Now in its eighth year, the event has drawn strong industry interest, with pre-registrations up more than 30% from last year.

The exhibition is divided into the K-Restaurant Hall and the K-Catering Hall, showcasing dining trends, business solutions, global sourcing products, and AI- and robot-powered smart-kitchen technologies. The program also includes seminars, cooking shows, and the Korea Burger Championship finals.