1. The Future Café: “AI’s Perfect Brew”
Tokyo, 2030.
AI robots are now part of everyday life.
“We offer the world’s best coffee, brewed with the most precise technology.”
That’s the bold claim of “Cafe AImo”, a trending café featuring the fully automated BaristaX.
The latest AI analyzes bean origin, temperature, humidity, and extraction pressure to deliver a perfect cup every time.
Customers are amazed, declaring, “We don’t need human baristas anymore!”
But not everyone is convinced.
Meet Makoto Saeki, the master of the long-established café “Kissa Fuugetsu”.
“Coffee isn’t just data.”
Firm in his belief, he is challenged by Sho Seto, Cafe AImo’s producer.
“Why don’t you try BaristaX’s ‘perfect cup’ yourself?”
2. The AI Brew vs. The Human Brew
Makoto reluctantly visits Cafe AImo.
Standing before him is BaristaX, a sleek, silver-plated barista robot.
“Welcome. I will brew your preferred coffee.”
Makoto orders Guatemalan dark roast black coffee.
BaristaX precisely measures the beans, adjusts the grinder, and performs a flawless drip extraction.
When the cup is served, Makoto takes a sip.
“…It’s good.”
The richness, aroma, and temperature are flawless.
But he frowns.
“Something’s missing.”
Sho is puzzled.
“What’s ‘missing’?”
“Technically, it’s perfect. But it doesn’t taste like it was made ‘for someone’.”
3. The Unexpected Test: Can AI Handle the “Unscripted”?
Just as Makoto is about to leave, a customer rushes in.
“Please, just give me a coffee that makes me feel at ease!”
BaristaX activates its AI to select the best beans.
But then—an error occurs.
“Definition of ‘at ease’ is unclear. Unable to proceed.”
BaristaX can craft a flawless recipe.
But it cannot understand feelings.
“See?” Makoto sighs.
Looking at the exhausted customer, he asks,
“Long day?”
“Yeah… I’m really tired.”
“Then, give me a moment.”
Makoto carefully selects beans and begins a slow pour-over.
He takes extra time to bloom the coffee and gently warms the cup.
“Here. This is what ‘at ease’ means.”
The customer takes a sip and smiles.
“…Yeah, this is it.”
Sho watches silently, deep in thought.
4. Evolution: Can AI Learn “Human Emotion”?
The next day, Sho upgrades BaristaX with new features:
✅ Emotion Mode → Analyzes facial expressions & voice to suggest the best coffee.
✅ Custom Blend → Adjusts recipes based on a customer’s past preferences.
✅ Barista Assist → Allows human baristas to make the final touch.
A few days later, Sho returns to Kissa Fuugetsu.
“Master, do you think BaristaX can learn to make your ‘comforting coffee’?”
“…Interesting.”
Sho presents the upgraded BaristaX.
It scans Makoto’s face, pauses for a moment, and then speaks.
“Welcome back. Today, I’ll brew a ‘deep roast with gentle sweetness.’”
Makoto takes a sip.
“…Not bad.”
Sho grins.
“So, even perfection needed a human touch after all.”
Makoto chuckles.
“Your AI’s precision wasn’t bad either.”
He places the cup down and smirks.
“But the best coffee? That’s the one brewed ‘for someone.’”
BaristaX quietly records his words.
Conclusion: Not “AI vs. Human” but “AI & Human Together”
“Kissa Fuugetsu” now offers a fusion of AI & Human Baristas.
☕ Rush hours → BaristaX delivers precision coffee.
☕ Relaxed hours → Makoto customizes each cup.
“In the end, neither machines nor humans alone are enough.”
Makoto smiles, embracing this new café style.
“…Alright, I’ll admit it. You’re my ‘partner’ now.”
BaristaX quietly warms the next coffee cup.
