Automation: build your first working module

Get the equipment

A Research Desk and Blueprint Cabinet form the basic purchasing route. Store an upgradable blueprint, research during service and buy the upgraded result next preparation phase.

A Copying Desk supplies repeated blueprint copies, useful when a system needs many Grabbers. A Discount Desk reduces the cost of expensive equipment. A Blueprint Desk can lock in basic equipment for the next shop. Keep enough plates, seats and cleaning capacity to survive while you assemble the system; there is no guaranteed day for a complete hands-off restaurant.

Make a small apple module

Apple provider → Grabber → Mixer → output.

1. Point the Grabber toward the Mixer, with the Apple provider behind it. The Grabber pulls an apple onto itself and pushes it forward.
2. Let the Mixer chop the apple. At first, remove the output by hand to verify the module.
3. Add a Smart Grabber at the exit. In Practice Mode, place Chopped Apple on it to train the filter.
4. Check that the exit takes Chopped Apple rather than an unprocessed apple, and that removing the output allows another cycle.

This is a small module assembled from the documented recipe and appliance rules, not a measured whole-restaurant performance claim.

Separate transport from processing

• A Conveyor pushes an item already placed on it; it does not pull from the tile behind.
• A Grabber pulls from behind, then pushes in its arrow direction.
• A Combiner applies the item on itself to the target in front.
• A Portioner takes a portion or supported ingredient from its pointed-at source onto itself.
• A Smart Grabber filters for a specific item state. Use it where an unfinished dish could otherwise leave too early.

Troubleshoot from the exit backward

Check for output space first, then direction, receiver compatibility, input availability, processing progress and the trained filter. A blocked exit can stop a safe production line; a burning food on a Danger Hob needs an actual protection or removal plan.

Old Combiner-to-Sink, Milk Steamer and Ice Dispenser tutorials changed in 1.4.3: use the Portioner rules for those sources. 1.5 adds further source combination and bin handling. The old water diagram still present in the Automation Wiki is not the rule to follow for that interaction.