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The kitchen of the future is smart: automation, multifunctionality and hyperconnectivity

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We are in the era of smart things: smartphones, smart cities, smart design… And kitchens couldn’t be left behind. These spaces have undergone the most transformation in homes in recent years, and it seems there is still a long way to go to continue improving our experiences in them. From the appearance of the first household appliances to the current kitchen robots, the relationship we establish with the kitchen and our habits have evolved dramatically. And what is cooking for the future brings great surprises.

What is sought with innovation in the kitchen?

The application of technology and new materials in homes, and specifically in the kitchen, serves the purpose of meeting certain needs and functions demanded by society, not only for reasons of convenience but also for environmental awareness:
01 GREATER SAFETY AND CONTROL:
Remote functions that allow turning on or off appliances from the mobile phone.
02 ENERGY SAVING:
Alarms to know when it is cheaper to cook or run the washing machine and integrated LED lighting in furniture and appliances.
03 SPACE REDUCTION:
Integrating various functions into a single object, making invisible what is not in use, and motorizing storage spaces to make them accessible while taking advantage of the maximum height of the kitchen.
04 REUSE OF MATERIALS AND SUSTAINABILITY:
Application of smart materials that endow surfaces and elements with new qualities, and reuse of raw materials to design kitchen furniture that is more environmentally friendly.

The kitchen in 25 years will be a
social and health space.

It has always been said that kitchens are the heart of homes, and this concept has been adapting to what each generation has considered necessary. According to the Global Kitchen study by the Silestone Institute, the kitchen will be a hyperconnected space, for leisure, work, health, and relationships: it is a space that reflects our lifestyles, who we are, how we behave, and how we evolve. In their study, they gathered the insights of 23 professionals from different countries: chefs, sociologists, architects, interior designers, nutritionists, influencers, historians, and experts in food and gastronomy.

The future that is already present

In recent months, we have seen certain innovations in the kitchen universe that, as a company promoting innovation as a strategic pillar, have caught our attention.
“At Arcos, we know that the only way to create real change is to consider the importance of moving from idea to action in every decision. That’s why we combine technology and sustainability to bring innovative ideas to life, reflected in our new ranges, materials, and company projects.”
Name Last Name. Director of Innovation at Arcos

It’s Already Happening

Innovations that may seem like a luxury or affordable only by certain segments of society today, but we are confident that gradually they will make their way into the market, becoming more accessible and indispensable.

1. The first
smart cutting board

It has its own name, Chopbox, and in addition to being made of bamboo (sustainable design), it incorporates two knife sharpeners, a second sliding cutting board, and even has the ability to disinfect both its surface and the knives by activating a 254nm UVC light.

If that wasn’t enough, on its left side, it has a digital scale that measures up to 3 kg, which is very practical for cutting and weighing ingredients, and a kitchen timer with a 9-hour clock.

2. A sink that becomes invisible

Perhaps it is a luxury for the “tech-savvy” today, but if we have become accustomed to seeing smart washing machines, blenders, or coffee makers, why shouldn’t faucets and sinks be smart too? A model has already been developed that can hide the faucet when not in use, and its base is a lift-up square cover that can be at the same height as the countertop, making filling a pot or a glass of water more comfortable and elegant.

3. Mobile and motorized modules

Say goodbye to standing on a stool or asking for help to reach something we’ve placed too high. Engineering development has given life to motorized kitchens: furniture equipped with electronic components that give them mobility. Functionality and modernity for kitchens that can be accessible even for people in wheelchairs.

4. Induction cooktops with sensors

Detect automatically the shape and size of the pan or pot and only heat the areas in contact, adapting to its shape and size. This represents an energy saving, as well as great versatility when cooking, being able to choose whether we want to have two large burners at once, one large and two small ones… or whatever is needed.

Smart surfaces in the kitchen: the most anticipated solution

In the restaurant industry, tables with touch screens have been used for years, making it easier for customers to place orders, check for any allergens, entertain themselves while waiting for their order, and even call a taxi after the meal. This idea can be extrapolated to domestic countertops; in fact, the smart surfaces of kitchens in the future can go much further.

They are the perfect element to combine automation, multifunctionality, and hyperconnectivity, integrating some of the proposals we have seen (scale, timer, or shape sensor and adaptation of heat zones to these) and adding some aspects that directly connect with emotionality:

  • Music playback.
  • Voice recognition.
  • Or choice of material according to aesthetic preferences.

 

At Arcos, we are aware that we live in a reality that is constantly changing, evolving to offer more pleasant and personalized experiences, and that the act of “cooking” is becoming increasingly complex.

People seek space and time savings, and at the same time, it is a moment of self-care, learning, and socialization. Therefore, it is necessary for all the stakeholders that are part of this sector to have an open mind to innovation and creativity in order to develop the solutions that will shape the kitchen of the future.

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