If you’ve been through a SkyTrain station, a university campus, or even the Richmond Hospital lately, you’ve definitely seen them. Tall, narrow, and glowing with high-def touchscreens, G&A Robots (Gourmet & Automatic) are popping up everywhere.
They promise “gourmet” meals and “barista-quality” drinks in a footprint no larger than a standard snack machine. But after testing two very different locations in Richmond, we realized that not all robots are created equal.
The Skytrain Barista
Our journey started at Lansdowne Station. What’s great about this setup is that the machine is located right outside the turnstiles—meaning you don’t even have to pay for a transit fare to grab a drink.
The first thing that stood out to me was the footprint. Compared to the Dianmood Robot we saw in that Richmond parking lot—which needs a massive glass room to house its theatrical mechanical arm—G&A manages to fit over 60 different drink options into a standard, narrow vending machine frame. We’re talking everything from standard coffee shop classics like Americanos, Lattes, and Cappuccinos to more specialized Taiwanese-style milk teas and fruit-based bubble teas.
The UI was super snappy—no lag at all—and it let me choose my sugar and ice levels. I picked “Less Ice” and was genuinely shocked when the cup came out filled right to the brim. While the taste was decent—comparable to a mid-tier bubble tea shop—the matcha flavour itself felt a little weak and on the sweeter side.
Plus, the little motorized door for the straws and lids only unlocks after you pay, which is a nice sanitary touch for a busy station.
It’s important to note that there are no options to add toppings like pearls or jelly. So, if you’re looking for a true boba fix, this won’t replace your favourite local shop just yet.
Pro-Tip: If you find yourself using these often, you can download the G&A app. They have a $9.99/month membership that lets you get any drink for just $2. If you’re a daily commuter, that pays for itself in just a few days.
Where else to find them: Lansdowne isn’t the only spot! You can also find these drink machines at BCIT Burnaby, UBC, and other major transit hubs like Edmonds and Marine Drive Station.
The Hospital Bento Blunder
Next, we headed over to Richmond Hospital to test the “Gourmet” part of the name. The machine is tucked right into a corner of the main hospital lobby, making it easily accessible for anyone visiting or working there.
This specific machine offered 9 different meal options, with prices ranging from $7.99 for Shrimp Fried Rice to $10.99 for Lamb Curry with Rice. Unlike the drink machine, this one has a large glass window so you can see exactly what you’re getting. To be honest, there isn’t much to look at—it’s just row after row of frozen, white plastic containers with clear plastic coverings and very minimal branding.
Once again, the interface was very snappy and responsive. After I placed my order for the Angus Beef with Cheesy Potatoes ($10.00), I watched the internal platform shuttle over to grab the meal and move it into the heating compartment. It stayed there for exactly two minutes before the vending machine door popped open.
The “Surface of the Sun” Problem: After that 2-minute heating cycle, the plastic tray was untouchably hot. I actually struggled to carry it from the machine to a table without burning my hands.
This is where things got weird. While the screen showed the correct item, the physical label on the food tray was completely wrong. It was a sticker for a “Chicken Poblano Queso Burrito Bowl” slapped onto my beef and potatoes. Somewhere in the packing process, a human got their stickers crossed—which is a bit of a concern if you have dietary restrictions.
The “Angus Beef” was pretty shriveled and dry—it felt more like a processed mixed-meat sausage. The potatoes were over-seasoned and carried a surprising amount of spicy heat.
The utensil compartment was empty. Unlike the drink machine, this grab and go bento machine did not feature an auto-locking mechanism. I had to go beg the nice people at the nearby Starbucks for a fork just to eat my lunch.
The Verdict
On the drink side? G&A has a winner. It’s efficient, reasonably priced, and fits into tiny spaces. But for the $10 bentos? There are still some “human” bugs to work out, from labeling errors to keeping the forks stocked.
Our Tips for Your Next Robot Visit:
- Check the Dates: These bentos have a roughly 3-month shelf life. They’re safe, but “freshness” is relative.
- Stick to the Transit Stations: The drink machines at the SkyTrain stops are the real winners here.
- Bring a Napkin: You’ll need it to handle those “surface-of-the-sun” food trays.
Watch our full “Vending Machine Investigation” video below to see the machine in action!
Have you spotted a G&A Robot at your local transit station yet? Would you try it out?
