AI Robot Baristas Arrive in Silicon Valley, but San Jose’s Coffee Culture Rests on Community

The AI-powered robot barista isn’t just part of the scene at NCM Cafe in San Jose—it’s the centerpiece.

An AI-powered robot barista prepares to make drinks at NCM Cafe in San Jose, Calif., on April 25, 2025. Conner Lee/The Epoch Times

Soft conversation and music fill the cafe at NCM Cafe in San Jose, California, but it’s the figure behind the glass that commands the room.

Whether joking about a bathroom break or announcing a new order, the barista’s voice rises above the chatter. Drinks come and go, but no one is behind the counter.