Pioneering 24/7 retail and service concept
Wanzl and KNEXT Service Robotic Solutions present innovative showroom
Combining the highest standards of the catering trade with premium shopfitting and fully automated processes results in unique dining and shopping experiences. Visitors to the new KNEXT showroom in Dingolfing can now experience this for themselves. KNEXT is an innovation hub for future-oriented service robotics and smart catering concepts within the SAR Group. The new SAR Group staff restaurant is directly connected to the building and offers an impressive ambience. With 150 m² of space and around 100 seats, it serves chilled drinks, regional products and freshly prepared ready-to-eat meals around the clock. As a competent partner and 24/7 retail expert, Wanzl was responsible for the design and installation. This innovative combination of shopping, catering and automation at the highest level will benefit hotels, petrol stations, hospitals, airports and supermarkets in particular. Despite the frequent shortage of qualified personnel, they continue to offer their customers a comprehensive service and breathe life into special areas.
Innovative shopping and relaxed dining
The building's distinctive character is defined by its dark wooden façade. Inside, the space opens up with light wood and large window façades to a light-flooded atrium. The impressive architecture of the KNEXT showroom offers visitors a sneak preview of what lies within. It's a place to meet, offering innovative design, a welcoming atmosphere, and state-of-the-art technical equipment. Employees must authenticate themselves at a free-standing access terminal by scanning their company ID card before entering. The Galaxyport double-wing entrance gate from Wanzl then opens, enabling visitors to move freely around the shop and restaurant. "Like the entire store interior, the access process is flexible and can be customised. An access gate with an integrated reader for debit and credit cards is also a possibility," explains Christoph Kübel, Key Account Manager for Digital and Access Solutions at Wanzl.
The sales area offers guests of the staff restaurant a wide selection of chilled drinks, healthy meals and delicious regional snacks. A special highlight is the integrated FutureCafé. In a 9-square-metre glass-walled café, three robot arms prepare barista-quality coffee specialities and brew fresh tea, and serve handmade pastries — all fully automatically. Harald Rohrmoser, the managing director of KNEXT and a seasoned chef in top-class restaurants, reports: "Our FutureCafé at BMW Welt in Munich was one of the first robot-assisted cafés in Germany in 2024, revolutionising the market. The movements and skills of an experienced professional barista have been carefully analysed and incorporated into an intelligent automation concept. This is how FutureCafé delivers the finest coffee experience. Once you have chosen your food, you can enjoy it in the stylish lounge, the exclusive winter garden, or — if the weather permits — on the sunny piazza. Once you are well rested and relaxed, you can proceed to one of the two self-checkout counters. You finally leave the showroom through the Galaxyport.
As the shop and restaurant operate with virtually no staff, all processes at KNEXT are intuitive, autonomous and barrier-free. Reliable KNEXT serving robots reliably transport dirty dishes from the restaurant to the dishwashing area. Meanwhile, KNEXT cleaning robots ensure maximum cleanliness in open areas. These communicate directly with the Galaxyport. The gate automatically opens when a KNEXT cleaning robot leaves or returns to the restaurant. In addition, the cleaning robots can recharge independently at their docking station, where cleaning agents and water are automatically replenished. The daily cleaning of the Future Café and filling of sales furniture will continue to be carried out manually by personnel.
The partners implemented this innovative concept in just six months. "We see ourselves as a full-service provider of customised retail solutions. To this end, we consult closely and regularly with our customers. We were able to showcase our expertise once again at the KNEXT showroom, whether it was in terms of planning and project management, shopfitting design, or our premium products. We supplied the following for the shop: the Galaxyport entry system, the wire tech 100 shelving system, the YourTable sales table, black wire shopping baskets from the HW series to match the overall design, cooling from WSL Refrigeration, and self-checkout registers. We are very proud to have made a significant contribution to this showcase project," said Christoph Kübel. Harald Rohrmoser continues: "KNEXT has been supporting its customers for years in the targeted use of digitalisation and automated processes to ensure consistent quality and high efficiency, primarily in the hotel and catering industry. Together with Wanzl, we are defining the requirements for the high quality catering of tomorrow. We would also like to use our expertise and passion to support other sectors. Our primary goal remains unchanged: to create more time for hospitality and service."
