Kevin and I have been spending a lot of time lately talking about AI, robotics, and the surge of investment chasing both. We’re fascinated by the big, headline-grabbing breakthroughs — self-driving cars, warehouse automation, generative AI — but just as curious about how these technologies will quietly work their way into the everyday parts of life. What happens when the same innovations that are transforming global industries start shaping something as simple and familiar as lunch?

That question was on our minds when we walked into Kura Revolving Sushi Bar on the 29th St Mall in Boulder. We weren’t just looking for a quick bite — we wanted to see the future in action. Could automation, AI, and even a few robots take one of the most traditional dining experiences in the world and make it faster, friendlier, and maybe even more fun?

Sushi on the Move — Literally

When you walk in, the first thing you notice is the revolving conveyor belt gliding past with colorful plates of sushi. Each dish is neatly plated, covered, and labeled, ready to be grabbed in seconds. It’s almost hypnotic — watching plate after plate roll by, each one tempting you to reach out.

This is where the magic really happens. You’re not staring at a menu, wondering what something will look like. Instead, you’re seeing it — vibrant salmon shimmering under its cover, neatly wrapped rolls stacked with fresh avocado, golden tempura shrimp with just the right crunch. Seeing the options roll past gets your mouth juices flowing in a way that no printed menu can.

The UI That Runs the Show

Kura’s dining experience is powered by a clean and responsive user interface (UI) at each table. If you don’t see what you want on the conveyor, you can order from the touch screen — everything from classic nigiri to desserts like mochi ice cream.

The system tracks your order in real time, so you know exactly when it’s coming. When your dish arrives, it zooms in on a separate express belt above the main conveyor, stopping right in front of you. This keeps the pace brisk and ensures made-to-order items are just as fast as grabbing from the belt.

Robots That Deliver Drinks

One of the most futuristic moments? Ordering drinks. You tap in your selection — maybe a matcha iced tea, soda, or even sake — and within minutes, a robot server rolls up to your table. It stops precisely, presents your drink, and flashes a cheerful digital face.

It’s efficient, fun, and a little whimsical — the kind of thing that makes you smile and think, Yep, we’re in Boulder.

AI and Automation Behind the Scenes

The visible tech is only half the story. Behind the scenes, AI quietly keeps the whole system running smoothly. It tracks how long each plate has been on the belt, ensuring freshness and automatically removing items that have been circulating too long. It monitors how many plates each table has taken, making it easy for servers to keep things moving without interrupting your meal.

Kura even gamifies the experience — after a certain number of plates, you get a little prize dropped down from a slot above your table. It’s playful, encourages exploration, and adds a layer of fun that makes the tech feel less clinical and more like part of the experience.

What We Ate: A Mix of Classics and First-Timers

We decided to explore the menu the way Kura intended — grabbing what looked good as it passed by, mixing old favorites with new discoveries. In total, we polished off 12 plates between us.

Some highlights:

• Salmon Nigiri – Simple, fresh, and buttery — a classic done right.

• Eel (Unagi) Nigiri – Sweet glaze with a warm, tender bite.

• Spicy Tuna Roll – A touch of heat balanced by cool rice and seaweed.

• Seared Salmon with Garlic – A flavor-packed twist we hadn’t tried before.

• Crispy Rice and Shrimp Roll – Crunchy, hot tempura with a creamy sauce.

• Snow Crab Hand Roll – Fresh, delicate crab with a crisp seaweed wrap.

Trying dishes we’d never ordered before was part of the fun. Because the portions are small, you don’t feel locked into a big commitment — it’s easy to say, Let’s try that one, even if you’re not sure you’ll love it. And more often than not, you do.

Fast, Friendly, and Surprisingly Relaxing

You might think a high-tech dining experience would feel rushed or impersonal, but it was the opposite. Because the UI, robots, and AI handled so much of the ordering and delivery, we were free to just sit back and enjoy the food and conversation.

Our lunch was quick — the whole meal took under 45 minutes — but it never felt like we were being pushed out. The tech streamlined everything without removing the human warmth of sharing a meal.

A Look at the Future of Dining in Boulder

Chains like Kura are betting that the future of restaurants will blend hospitality with automation. In their model, AI and robots don’t replace people — they work alongside them, making service faster, more consistent, and more fun.

It’s easy to see why this works in Boulder. This is a city that loves innovation but also values casual, approachable experiences. The Kura concept fits right in: fast enough for a quick downtown lunch, fun enough for a night out with friends or family, and tech-savvy enough to make you feel like you’re eating in the 2030s.

Walking out, Peter and I agreed: Kura’s mix of robots, AI, and sushi isn’t just a novelty. It’s a well-designed system that delivers on speed, quality, and a touch of playful futurism — all without getting in the way of simply enjoying good food with good company.