The field of embodied AI is rapidly expanding, moving beyond simulation to real-world applications. XiangLu Robotics has unveiled its new multimodal AI foundation model, CookingMuse, alongside advanced robot chefs at the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing. This system aims to transform commercial food preparation by allowing robots to execute complex culinary tasks autonomously.

CookingMuse is touted as the world's first multimodal AI foundation model specifically trained on extensive real kitchen data. This allows its robot chefs, including the 3K Vision Cooking Robot and the embodied RoboCook, to interpret natural language instructions and perform multi-step, on-chain transactions, moving AI from simple recipe execution to a deeper understanding of cooking processes. The company states its robots can handle a 55-step process from order to serving.

Unlike earlier generations of food service robots that typically perform repetitive, pre-programmed tasks, XiangLu's approach introduces a cognitive layer that enables greater adaptability and problem-solving in dynamic kitchen environments. The company's existing AI cooking robots are already deployed in 13,000 stores across 350 cities in China and over 20 international markets, demonstrating a proven track record of commercial scale.

This launch signifies a broader trend where AI is increasingly being applied to complex physical tasks, potentially addressing labor shortages and consistency issues in service industries. The ability of robots to operate with minimal human intervention, guided by an AI that comprehends the nuances of cooking, could set new standards for efficiency and quality in global food preparation.