California robotics company's 'Flippy 2' robot makes french fries faster and better than humans can

French fries and onion rings are going high-tech, thanks to a company in Southern California.

Key points:

• The robotic arm can cook several meals with different recipes simultaneously, reducing the need for staff
• A number of US restaurant chains have adopted the technology, though some are hesitant to publicise it
• Flippy 2 is named after Flippy, an earlier robot designed to flip burgers

Miso Robotics Inc in Pasadena has started rolling out its Flippy 2 robot, which automates the process of deep frying potatoes, onions and other foods.

A big robotic arm like those in car manufacturing plants — directed by cameras and artificial intelligence — takes frozen French fries and other foods out of a freezer, dips them into hot oil, then deposits the ready-to-serve product into a tray.

Flippy 2 can cook several meals with different recipes simultaneously, reducing the need for catering staff and, according to the company, speeding up order delivery at drive-through windows.

"When an order comes in through the restaurant system, it automatically spits out the instructions to Flippy," Miso chief executive Mike Bell said.