Automated Cooking Systems: Benefits, Challenges, and Future Directions

Automated cooking systems (ACS) have revolutionized the cooking process by combining disruptive technologies such as the Internet-of-Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics. This article explores the trends, benefits, challenges, and future directions of ACS. It discusses the types of ACS, including robotic cooking systems, smart appliances, and specialized cooking systems. The current state of research highlights the integration of robotics with sensory technology and AI, enabling learning and adaptation in different cooking scenarios. The benefits of ACS include timesaving, increased accuracy and consistency, improved food safety and hygiene, enhanced nutritional value, and reduced labor costs. However, challenges and limitations such as high initial setup and maintenance costs, limited flexibility and customization, complex programming and operation, and ethical and social implications need to be addressed. Future directions include enhancing human-machine interaction, incorporating AI and machine learning, expanding to commercial and industrial settings, and addressing ethical and social concerns. By considering these factors, ACS can contribute to sustainable development goals and have a significant impact on society, the environment, and the food industry.