Sony has launched a new AI unit that it hopes will change the way people cook and eat.
The Japanese electronics company’s new research arm, Sony AI, will operate in Japan, Europe and the USA and focus on gastronomy, as well as more conventional areas of gaming, imaging and sensor equipment.
Sony is the latest multinational technology company entering the food business, where data is increasingly driving the development of new dishes designed to pique the palate. Earlier this year, IBM partnered with seasoning maker McCormick to use AI in flavour and food product development.
“AI and robotics will not replace chefs,” said Sony spokesman Shinichi Tob. “We are aiming to offer new tools to expand their creativity with AI and robotics.
“The field of food requires a study of molecular structures. By using AI and its analytical capacity, we can create new things.
“Through sensing technologies, we can perhaps create new dishes that will please the human sense of taste.”
In the future, Sony foresees the creation of a robotic kitchen to help elderly people make meals at home, but without use of open flames. It may also result in the creation of a restaurant where robots cook in front of guests.
“There might be ways of cooking that can only be done by robotics,” added Tobe. “It might be about temperature control. Maybe about precise timings of when or where to apply heat.”
