Robots, Sensors, and Smart Grills: How Tech is Revolutionising Commercial Kitchens

Robots Take Center Stage (But Humans Remain Crucial)

While the idea of robot-run restaurants might seem futuristic, companies like Spyce in the States are making strides. This restaurant staffed by robots allows customers to order on touchscreens and receive their meals cooked in minutes.However, human employees are still essential for tasks like garnishing dishes, delivering food, and assisting with ordering. Similarly, while Flippy, the burger-flipping robot at CaliBurger, can churn out impressive volumes, human staff will always be needed for cleaning and other essential tasks.

The Benefits of Automation

Despite the initial hype surrounding robot chefs, the main advantage of automation lies in its ability to streamline operations and reduce costs for restaurant owners. Here's how:

• Reduced Headcount: Robots can handle repetitive tasks like flipping burgers or frying food, freeing up human staff for more complex work.

• Increased Efficiency: Automated equipment can cook food faster and more consistently, reducing wait times and improving customer satisfaction.

• Lower Training Costs: Robots don't require extensive training, unlike human employees.

• Reduced Downtime: Robots are less prone to illness or call-in days, ensuring consistent operation.

Tech Fights Food Waste and Improves Safety

3M is playing a significant role in commercial kitchen advancements. Sensors in refrigerators and freezers can monitor temperatures, preventing food spoilage and foodbourne illness outbreaks. Additionally, connected cooking equipment with sensors can determine when food is perfectly cooked, eliminating waste from over or undercooking.

Next-Generation Cooking Technology

Advanced cooking equipment allows for greater precision and efficiency:

• Combination Ovens: These ovens offer both dry heat and steam cooking options, providing versatility for chefs.

• Rapid-Cook Ovens: Combining hot air and microwave technology, these ovens cook food significantly faster.

• Automated Griddles: Double-sided griddles cook food from both sides simultaneously, doubling throughput.Advanced thermostats ensure even cooking for various food thicknesses, minimising waste.

• Smart Fryers: Built-in oil filtration, temperature sensors, and even oil quality monitors in fryers help maintain consistent oil quality and improve the overall quality and safety of fried foods.

The Future is Connected

With the arrival of 5G and faster internet connectivity, even more innovation is on the horizon for commercial kitchens.We can expect to see even more sophisticated automation, improved data collection and analysis, and potentially, a more prominent role for robots in specific tasks.

Overall, technology is transforming commercial kitchens, creating a future where efficiency, consistency, and food quality are prioritised. While robots might grab headlines, it's the collaboration between human expertise and these advancements that will truly revolutionise the restaurant industry.