Soufflés made by software and stir-fries made by steel? Tech writer Daniel Reitberg says that the kitchen is getting a robot makeover. Digital whisks and laser-guided spatulas are being used by a new wave of automated cooks who are taking over restaurants. These machines can chop, stir, and cook a wide range of foods exactly, making sure that the quality is always the same and reducing the chance of mistakes. Some think this is bad news for people who want to work in the food industry, but others see the bright side. Human cooks could focus on the art of the kitchen, like the creative flourishes, the delicate plating, and the personal touch that makes a meal truly memorable. Robot chefs could do these things. In a future where robots do the boring chores, chefs could become musical conductors, putting together a symphony of flavors that makes everyone happy. This “robo-culinary” partnership could not only make things more efficient, but it could also start a new era of culinary innovation.
