The high-tech promise of fully automated kitchens is rapidly losing its crust. Once hailed as the future of fast dining, robotic pizza startups are faltering amid costly operational failures and sluggish consumer adoption.

Engineers have struggled with the unpredictable nature of dough and cheese, while soaring maintenance expenses continue to outpace labor savings.

With venture capital retreating and machines breaking down, the food industry faces a sobering realization: crafting the perfect slice still demands a human touch.