Bartender Project: Build a Voice-Controlled Robotic Bartender

Discover the latest in DIY innovation with the Bartender, a voice-activated robotic bartender from the Electromaker Project Hub. Created by community member terence-grover, this chaotic yet ingenious build blends cutting-edge technology with a playful, hands-on approach.

Watch Ian talk about The Bartender: a (very cheeky) voice enabled robot bartender in this episode of The Electromaker Show

DIY robotic bartenders have been around since the advent of affordable hobby pumps and Arduino boards, but the Bartender stands out from the crowd. Using a rotating base repurposed from an old lamp, this robot mixes drinks on command with a quirky, cheeky personality.

While many robotic bartender projects exist, few are as unique as this one. With its voice command capabilities and interactive responses, the Bartender takes the DIY experience to the next level—offering not just drinks, but entertainment along the way.

How the Bartender Works

At first glance, the Bartender might seem chaotic, but underneath its quirky exterior is a well-thought-out design. This robotic bartender responds to voice commands, allowing users to request drinks with ease. Thanks to its rotating base, the bottles move into position automatically, ready to dispense the selected beverage.

The technology behind the Bartender includes an Arduino board that controls both the bottle rotation and pump system, ensuring that the robot accurately delivers your drink of choice. However, what makes this project stand out is its interactive nature. The Bartender responds with cheeky comments, adding a layer of fun and personality not typically found in DIY projects.

While it may look like it’s held together by tape and hope, the robot's core functionality is solid. Voice commands trigger the entire system, from rotating bottles to dispensing drinks, making it a fully functional (and entertaining) bartender in a compact setup.

Building Your Own Bartender

Ready to create your own robotic bartender? The Bartender may look chaotic, but it’s built from simple components that you can easily source and assemble yourself. The core of the project is an Arduino board, which controls the bottle rotation and pump system. Paired with a repurposed rotating base (in this case, from an old lamp), the bottles are moved into place, ready to mix drinks based on your voice commands.

One of the most entertaining aspects of the Bartender is its personality. The robot doesn't just take orders—it responds to your commands with cheeky replies, adding a fun twist to the bartending process. This extra layer of interaction transforms the project from a simple robot into an engaging centrepiece for social gatherings.

To build your own Bartender, you’ll need to be mindful of some practical considerations, like ensuring the electronics are protected from spills. Customization options are endless: from modifying the bottle sizes to programming new voice responses, you can truly make the Bartender your own.

The Bartender project showcases the creativity and fun that can come from DIY electronics, turning a simple Arduino setup into an interactive, voice-controlled robotic bartender. With its cheeky responses and functional design, it’s more than just a machine—it’s an entertaining companion for any gathering.

Whether you're a seasoned maker or just getting started, the Bartender is a fantastic example of how you can combine technology with humour to build something truly unique. Explore more innovative projects like this on the Electromaker Project Hub, and see how you can bring your own creative ideas to life.

Did you enjoy this article?

Make sure you subscribe to The Electromaker Show for similar content and subscribe to our monthly newsletter!