Are Los Angeles restaurants ready for the robot revolution? Wavemaker Labs, a Santa Monica-based incubator, has announced two new ambitious robotics projects focused on automating fast food and restaurant kitchens: Miso Robotics and Nommi. These two ventures, in combination with a strong pipeline of talent from schools like Caltech, have allowed Wavemaker Labs to form a number of new partnerships and pilot programs. Read more >>
Here's what else we're reading in the news:
- On 12/14 we are hosting the first #LongLA Holiday Party in Culver City with some of our friends, and you are invited! Use password "APartytimeHoliday" and this link to RSVP.
- Nike has acquired RTFKT, an L.A.-based studio that makes digital collectibles.
- L.A.-based Wonder Dynamics, a visual effects startup launched by Ready Player One star Tye Sheridan and VFX veteran Nikola Todorovic, have raised $9 million.
- L.A. venture capital firm, M13, has come out with its list of 10 industry predictions for 2022.
- Xos, the L.A.-based electric truck maker, has signed a deal to supply EV trucks to Merchants Fleet, a national fleet management company.
- MotorTrend has named Rivian’s R1T electric truck as the truck of the year.
- File-sharing service WeTransfer has landed an Oscar nomination for one of the films the tech company has produced.
- Elon Musk has been named Time’s 2021 person of the year.
LA Is Where 'Food and Tech Meet'
“California, especially Southern California, is a restaurant hub. You have Panda, you have Chipotle, you have Taco Bell, Del Taco. You have these big brands that are centered there,” said Jake Brewer, chief strategy officer for Miso Robotics, one of two food automation projects out of the incubator Wavemaker Labs in Los Angeles.
“It’s where food and tech meet,” said Brewer.
They Worked for COVID, Soon They Could Help to Fight Against Cancer
In the race to stop COVID-19 from spreading globally, scientists found a way to create mRNA-based vaccines that work. Now, some biotech companies in Southern California are looking for ways to create mRNA-based therapies to fight cancer. And the research is promising.
A Day in Santa Monica's Metaverse
Last week, the app FlickPlay announced it was partnering with Santa Monica, making it the first U.S. city to offer access to the metaverse through its app. Reporter Decerry Donato got a first-hand look at the app to see what it's all about and understand why a city would sign on to the interactive world.