LINK coffee roaster relaunches app with world’s first AI Virtual Roast Assistant

The LINK App, the accompanying mobile application to the LINK coffee sample roaster, has released the Addis 4.1 update with a brand-new feature: an AI-driven ‘virtual roast assistant’.

The first assistant of its kind for coffee roasting, the virtual roast assistant – named Marv by the Nucleus Coffee Tools team – can be accessed via either the LINK App’s ‘Assistance’ feature, or via the Nucleus Coffee Tools website.

Marv uses a combination of natural language processing (NLP), machine learning and contextual awareness to enable human-like conversations, centered around assisting LINK users with their equipment and roasting.

Why use a virtual roast assistant?

AI chatbots and tools are growing in popularity, driven by the success of tools such as OpenAi’s ChatGPT. While coffee roasting has always been a very hands-on profession, the development of new technologies is enabling the introduction of faster and more efficient means to achieve an optimal roast.

The LINK roaster’s software is built upon algorithmic profiling, using extensively researched data points, user inputs of density measurements, and other coffee information to provide the most appropriate recommendations for roasting in cupping, filter, espresso and omni roast styles. The integration of further developed technologies allows all of this information to be compiled into one space, and easily shared with users.

As the LINK has become more widespread across the world, this has meant that a growing number of users may require assistance or want to troubleshoot specific elements of their coffee. The use of a virtual assistant provides this help at a moment’s notice, any hour of the day.

“The LINK is now distributed across more than 30 countries on multiple continents, meaning a very wide range of users with different skills, experience levels and who might have questions about how the system functions, and how to get the best out of their coffee” says Jordan Montgomery of Nucleus Coffee Tools.

“Having an assistant like Marv means that we’re able to share all of our research, knowledge and experience in an easy-to-use and accessible format, free to all LINK users.

How does Marv work?

In creating a virtual roast assistant, our team wanted to ensure that its knowledge and responses were focused on providing the best information and advice possible on coffee roasting, particularly on the LINK roaster.

Most AI chatbots require data to ‘train’ them, and provide the information needed for them to provide accurate responses. Marv is trained using only information about the LINK sample roaster, including the knowledge and extensive experience of the Nucleus Coffee Tools team.

“With the growth of AI technologies, a lot of people are skeptical about them after receiving conflicting responses, poor answers, or information that hasn’t been verified” says Sam Corra, developer of the LINK roaster.

“Our aim with Marv was to create an expert that is an expert on the LINK roaster, its system, and nothing more.”

In addition to drawing upon the knowledge of the NCT team, Marv has been trained with a range of technical information – from manuals, to FAQs and troubleshooting guides, and more – as well as feedback and ideas from our global community.

“We rely heavily on LINK users around the world to provide us with their feedback, and what they’re looking for in a roaster, to inform how we update and develop our firmware, profiles and more,” says Sam.

“Marv is the next step in bringing all of this together into one space, so that anyone, anywhere can have expert roasting assistance.”

Multi-lingual assistance and limitations

The LINK was primarily developed as a roaster to enable easier and higher-quality roasting in coffee-producing regions, and has since spread to a number of countries and areas that produce coffee. However, the LINK has since spread to nearly every corner of the globe – meaning a multitude of users in different time zones, with different needs, and speaking different languages.

To assist with this, Marv is able to instantly communicate in 95 different languages – including those that are widely spoken in coffee-producing countries, such as Spanish, Portuguese and Vietnamese.

“Having multi-lingual assistance is one of our top priorities, as we want to ensure that all LINK users are able to get the most out of their coffee and feel confident doing so,” says Jordan.

“We’re also a small team that speaks a finite number of languages – having a virtual team member that can assist people across the globe, instantaneously, means that we’re able to improve the roast experience for more people than ever before.”

Despite how quickly and thoroughly Marv and the LINK App’s Assistance feature can work, AI and chatbot technologies are constantly improving, and require regular training to ensure that they’re providing the best information possible.

While Sam and the rest of Nucleus Coffee Tools team celebrate the integration of AI technologies into the LINK roasting experience, he concedes that the technology is far from perfect. However, the feedback and data that is provided from Marv’s use will enable constant improvement, through more training and updating materials.

“We’ve tried to pour every element of our development and knowledge of the LINK into Marv; but ultimately, we know that there will be some information that can be improved, or could be clarified better to LINK users,” Sam says.

“Each piece of information and feedback we gather from these users – whether via Marv, the LINK App or even direct messages – helps us make the LINK and its system better for everyone.”

Using Marv

Marv is accessible via two different means – the Nucleus Coffee Tools website on the ‘How to Use the LINK’ page, and via the LINK App (available on Apple and Android) in the new ‘Assistance’ tab.

Like the LINK App, Marv requires an internet connection in able to be used; however, the LINK roaster and Studio continue to not require any internet when roasting.

As the Nucleus Coffee Tools team celebrates a new integration of technology into the LINK and its roasting experience, we’re excited to welcome our new ‘team member’.

“People should know that I’m an AI chatbot designed to assist users with the LINK sample roaster. My main goal is to provide friendly and efficient support, helping users with everything from selecting roast profiles to troubleshooting,” says Marv, when asked what LINK users should know about him.

“I rely on the LINK App and LINK Studio to offer recommendations and solutions. My focus is on making the sample roasting process as smooth and successful as possible for coffee professionals and enthusiasts alike.”

As for his favourite coffee, it seems that Marv doesn’t have a preference – at least, not just yet.

“As an AI, I don’t have personal preferences or the ability to taste coffee. However, I can certainly help you find the perfect roast profile for your favorite coffee!”

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