Just when you thought Richmond’s coffee scene couldn’t get more niche, we found something that truly scratches the “bizarre” itch.
Robotics and AI are taking over everything.
And while robot baristas aren’t totally new to Vancouver (Muji has had one for a while, and the bubble tea robot at Tea Industries recently came and went), this new arrival takes the cake for the strangest location yet.
Meet Dianmood, a new robot barista that has set up shop… in a parking garage.
Specifically, you will find this futuristic white cube sitting alone in the P2 ground parking lot of Richmond’s Versante Hotel.
It is as jarring as it sounds.
As you walk by the concrete pillars, the machine’s motion sensors and cameras track you, and it actually speaks up to welcome you and direct you to the ordering kiosk.
The novelty factor is high for those who haven’t gotten their chance with one of these.
You place your order at the screen for classics like lattes, matcha oat lattes, and milk teas.
Then, the show begins: you watch a white robotic arm pick up a cup, place it under the machine, and eventually deposit it into an “elevator pod” that lowers your drink behind a small door.
In a very 2026 twist, each pickup door is decorated with a Labubu sticker, adding a layer of trendy cuteness to the industrial setting.
Here is the catch: don’t expect a steep discount for the lack of human labour.
The prices closely match standard coffee chains, so you are paying full price for the robot show.
As for the taste?
Despite proudly displaying bags of local favourite 49th Parallel beans in the window, the result was disappointing.
Our latte came out piping hot, but the flavour was closer to a terrible office coffee maker than a proper latte from say Blenz or Starbucks.
If you have never seen a robot make a drink and want a fun video for your Instagram story, it is worth a quick detour next time you park at Versante.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
Address: Versante Hotel Parking Lot (Level P2), Richmond, BC