Robots are coming to the kitchen − what that could mean for society and culture

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Patrick Lin, California Polytechnic State University

(THE CONVERSATION) Automating food is unlike automating anything else. Food is fundamental to life – nourishing body and soul – so how it’s accessed, prepared and consumed can change societies fundamentally.

Automated kitchens aren’t sci-fi visions from “The Jetsons” or “Star Trek.” The technology is real and global. Right now, robots are used to flip burgers, fry chicken, create pizzas, make sushi, prepare salads, serve...