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- SKS Japan 2024 Roundup: Part 1
SKS Japan 2024 Roundup: Part 1
Divisive devices and other food tech futures
GourmetPro is a house divided…
Battle lines have been drawn and sides chosen. Insults have been hurled and returned.
While neither side appears to be willing to cede to the other, we have instituted a cessation of hostilities for now… coz, you know, shit’s gotta get done.
What, you ask, is the bone of contention? Well, it started with a damn salt shaker and expanded into a number of other futuristic tech products showcased at SKS Japan 2024. Nothing quite says engagement like enragement.
SKS Japan isn’t just the biggest food tech event in the country; it’s where the future of food is coming to life. And we, at GourmetPro, had the privilege of checking out the latest innovations from Japan and beyond, and trust us, the creativity on display was nothing short of mind-blowing.
Ready to explore the tech that’s reshaping our plates? Let’s dive in.
Saltomo
Ah, Saltomo, the divider of offices.
This clever contraption isn’t just a salt shaker; it’s a connected device that dispenses exactly 0.3 grams of salt (or any granulated seasoning) per push, logging every sprinkle on a smartphone app. Ideal for health-conscious users or anyone told to cut the salt, Saltomo offers a practical way to monitor daily intake. With hypertension and cardiovascular issues linked to excessive salt consumption, this is no small feat. It’s also a reminder that food tech isn’t just about indulgence – it’s about smarter, healthier living.
Developed by the combined expertise of Toyo Seikan, Delicious Health Co., and Sharp Corporation, Saltomo takes aim at Japan’s love affair with salt. The WHO suggests we keep intake under 5 grams per day, but Japan’s Ministry of Health recommends slightly higher limits: 7.5 grams for men, 6.5 grams for women. Japan’s per capita average salt consumption is over 10 grams a day. Either way, Saltomo can help you hit those targets without guesswork.
Of course, not everyone is sold. Some of my esteemed colleagues argue a simple teaspoon works just as well (though Saltomo’s studies beg to differ, showing even healthcare pros can’t measure precisely without it). Charging required? Sure. But for salt tracking that’s equal parts geeky and genius, Saltomo might just be worth the hassle.
The next generation of home kitchens
While none of the other devices sparked quite the same office drama, they did stir up some lively debates about their utility.
Robots and AI in professional kitchens? Old news. But at SKS Japan, we saw a slew of gadgets designed for the home chef. These clever creations aim to take the stress out of meal prep by automating everything – from planning to cooking – so you can whip up a home-cooked meal without even being home.
Chefee
Chefee Robotics claims to have created the “world’s first built-in robotic chefs for the home.” This futuristic kitchen assistant can be integrated into your existing setup and needs just a simple command to whip up a meal.
With access to 5,000 recipes (or your own), Chefee can plan, prep, and cook complete dishes. Its system includes a refrigerated pantry on top for storing ingredients and a three-element cooker below, all connected to your home Wi-Fi.
The app handles everything, from scheduling meals to ordering ingredients (whole or pre-cut). At the set time, Chefee springs into action, cooking like a pro while you do… whatever else you want to.
Suvie
Suvie is a smart countertop cooking system that refrigerates and cooks your meals – whether they’re ready-to-cook kits or homemade dishes. With features like roasting, baking, sous vide, and even air frying, it handles almost every cooking method. It even comes with a starch cooker to deal with grains.
Suvie’s compartments work independently, allowing different elements to cook at their own pace and temperature, so everything’s ready at once. Of course, there’s an app for full control, and Suvie even offers weekly meal delivery plans for ultimate convenience.
Like what you’re reading?
Future tech for hospitality
Gatebox
Gatebox uses generative AI to bring anime-style characters into everyday life, supporting people and businesses alike.
At SKS Japan, Gatebox showcased its “AI Baito”, which was featured at the Suntory booth where it performed customer service tasks like greeting attendees and introducing products from four brands that Suntory exhibited at the event (The Ethical Spirits range).
The company also unveiled the “Gatebox Grande”, a life-sized version designed for interactive customer service in stores, restaurants, and hotels.
Watch the product video here.
Suntory
Suntory’s Future Business Development Department offered a peek into their vision of a connected food studio. Using AI and other tools, this concept allows consumers to order food and drinks tailored to their specific needs – even their moods – creating a whole new level of personalized experiences.
For the hospitality industry, automated industrial kitchens showcased step-by-step recipe guidance, eliminating the need for highly skilled chefs. Here’s GourmetPro’s CEO, Ugo Bataillard, giving Roku Shoku by Sony a try!
Next week, we’re diving into the hottest themes and biggest takeaways from the event. Stay tuned!
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