Lidris robot makes 3D floating illustrations inside drinks in real time

Suntory unveiled “Lidris,” an innovative robot that creates three-dimensional floating illustrations inside beverages in real time, at Expo 2025 in Osaka. The system injects food-safe, natural pigment-based inks—such as lycopene from tomatoes—into drinks like lemonade, forming suspended images that can remain visible for over an hour indoors. The technology integrates robotics, food science, and fluid mechanics to maintain the shape of the designs within the liquid, offering a novel and interactive drinking experience. Visitors at Suntory’s Park Café pavilion witnessed illustrations, including the fair’s mascot, appearing inside their drinks as they were served. Lidris is designed as a customizable beverage platform, allowing adjustments to flavors, colors, and alcohol content, making it suitable for a range of settings from private events to commercial venues. Its compact size (about 50 cm square) and simplified manual operation enable easy use by part-time staff, facilitating deployment in small cafés or event spaces. Beyond hospitality, the technology holds