Introduction
Can food technology really change society? Yes, just consider the seismic impact of the microwave oven. Automating food is unlike automating anything else. Food is fundamental to life – nourishing body and soul – so how it’s accessed, prepared, and consumed can change societies fundamentally.
Current State of Kitchen Robotics
Automated kitchens aren’t sci-fi visions from “The Jetsons” or “Star Trek.” The technology is real and global. Right now, robots are used to flip burgers, fry chicken, create pizzas, and much more. AI can invent recipes based on the molecular compatibility of ingredients.
Potential Impacts on Society
Since technology tends to be expensive at first, the early adopters of AI kitchen technologies are restaurants and other businesses. Over time, prices are likely to fall enough for the home market, possibly changing both home and societal dynamics.
Consider the seismic impact of the microwave oven. With that technology, it was suddenly possible to make a quick meal for just one person, which can be a benefit but also a social disruptor.
Ethical and Cultural Considerations
Convenience can come at a great cost, so it’s vital to look ahead at the possible ethical and social disruptions that emerging technologies might bring, especially for a deeply human and cultural domain – food – that’s interwoven throughout daily life.
With funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation, my team at California Polytechnic State University is halfway into what we believe is the first study of the effects AI kitchens and robot cooks could have on diverse societies and cultures worldwide.
Conclusion
Given the primacy of food, food technologies help shape society. The kitchen has a special place in homes, neighborhoods, and cultures, so disrupting that venerable institution requires careful thinking to optimize benefits and reduce risks.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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