Bacardi tests robot dogs to inspect whisky warehouses for ethanol evaporation

Bacardi is testing the use of robot dogs equipped with ethanol vapor sensors to inspect whisky maturation warehouses for ethanol evaporation, a natural loss known as the "angel’s share." In collaboration with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), Bacardi has conducted early trials using Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot fitted with a custom sensing kit developed at NMIS’s Digital Process Manufacturing Centre. This technology aims to automate and improve the traditionally manual and time-consuming inspection process, making it more efficient and data-driven by detecting ethanol leaks as the robot patrols the warehouse. While the whisky industry is steeped in tradition, Bacardi emphasizes that this innovation seeks to complement craftsmanship rather than replace it, enhancing efficiency without compromising heritage. This initiative reflects a broader trend of integrating advanced technologies like AI and robotics into whisky production, as seen earlier this year when Swedish distillery Mackmyra partnered with tech firms to create AI-developed whisky. Such developments highlight both the potential and controversy of adopting automation in historically artisanal industries.