Robots Serve Up a Post-Thanksgiving Feast for U.S. Troops in South Korea

This Thanksgiving looked a little different for U.S. soldiers stationed in South Korea. Instead of lining up in a traditional chow hall, troops tapped their holiday orders into a digital kiosk—then watched as robots assembled their meals with precision and speed.

The autonomous kitchen crew plated everything from classic turkey and ham to a vegetarian autumn feast, delivering piping-hot dishes directly to waiting soldiers. Reviews were glowing. “The turkey itself was good,” one service member said. “I really liked the sweet potatoes… it all had a really good synergy and tied together really well.”

Army officials say the robotic setup isn’t just a novelty—it’s a strategic tool. By automating meal prep, human cooks can be reassigned to tactical field duties while still ensuring that troops receive fresh, hot meals during the holidays.

A high-tech helper in the kitchen may not be the most traditional Thanksgiving story, but for deployed soldiers far from home, it delivered something invaluable: comfort, consistency, and a taste of the holiday spirit—robotically plated, but warmly received.