Robotic chefs powered by AI are set to revolutionise our dining experiences in the near future (conceptual image).
‘We’re not just shaping the future of dining—we’re bringing the world’s cuisines to every corner of the globe, making exceptional food accessible to all,’ said Professor Guanhua Chen.
This advanced system recreates complex flavours and techniques, including the signature ‘wok hei’ of Cantonese cuisine
In the bustling kitchens of Hong Kong, where the rich aroma of wok-fried dishes fills the air, a quiet revolution is taking place. Professor Guanhua CHEN, a chair professor in the Department of Chemistry, has taken his scientific expertise out of the lab and into the kitchen, creating automated cooking robots that have the potential to transform the global catering industry.
Chen’s journey into culinary robotics began with a personal challenge. In 2012, he opened his dream restaurant, Café Hunan, in Sai Wan. Like many restaurateurs in Hong Kong, he struggled with high turnover rates among chefs and the difficulty of maintaining consistent food quality across multiple locations. ‘Some chefs would leave after just one or two months, and it was impossible to ensure the same level of quality,’ Chen explained.
Delicious dishes created by this innovative robotic system!
Addressing Labour Shortages in the Catering Industry
Determined to find a solution, Chen turned to technology. In 2018, he launched the HKU start-up Hestia Technology with a team of HKU students to develop automated kitchen systems. As the founder of Hestia Technology and Center Director of the Hong Kong Quantum AI Lab, Chen combines advanced algorithms with cutting-edge hardware to create state-of-the-art robotic systems. These innovations have been successfully commercialised, turning visionary ideas into practical solutions that are revolutionising global cuisine and reshaping the food industry.
Their flagship invention, the Automated Multicooker, is a true marvel of culinary engineering. This intelligent machine, along with other innovations such as customisable fryers, precise sauce dispensers, and smart ingredient storage systems, seamlessly manage every step of the cooking process from retrieving ingredients and stir-frying to thickening sauces, plating dishes, and even cleaning up afterwards.,stries, driving impactful advancements and innovation
Professor Dong SUN (Fourth from the right), Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, visited Hestia in July 2024 and met with Professor Guanhua CHEN (fourth from the left) to discuss the development of innovation and emerging industries in the region.
The robotic chef can now prepare over 200 dishes a day—from Sichuan classics to Italian pasta—with minimal human involvement. With just one assistant supervising three MultiCookers with minimal efforts, the system produces the output of two to three expert chefs. Each dish is crafted with consistent precision, guaranteeing high quality, minimal waste, and flawless execution from the first plate to the last.
The road to success was not without challenges. One major hurdle was achieving consistency in the dishes. To overcome this, the team used thermal imaging cameras and AI to record top chefs at work, analysing and replicating their techniques in the robot. ‘Our system can learn to cook 10 dishes within a day,’ Chen explained.
This robotic system is a game-changer for the catering industry, tackling labour shortages as fewer young people pursue demanding kitchen jobs. ‘It addresses the challenge of finding skilled chefs while also managing high costs,’ Chen said.
The Automated Multicooker handles
every step of the cooking process with
precision and consistency, redefining
efficiency.
Bringing Chinese Cuisine to the world
But Chen’s ambitions go far beyond solving operational issues. ‘Our dream is to make delicious Chinese cuisine accessible to different parts of the world,’ he remarked. ‘The system consistently delivers stable, high-quality dishes that perfectly replicate the flavours of Michelin-recommended cuisine, allowing diners to enjoy authentic Chinese food anywhere in the world.’
Already adopted by restaurants in Japan and the United States, the robot is specifically designed to master the intricate techniques of Chinese cooking, including achieving the elusive ‘wok hei’, the smoky, charred flavour that defines Cantonese stir-frying.
Despite scepticism from some in the industry about the costs and practicality of robotic chefs, Chen remains confident. ‘We’ve recently developed the fifth generation of the robot,’ he shared, noting that their new factory in Tsuen Wan is set to produce 3,000 units by 2026.
Hestia has already forged key partnerships to support its global expansion. This includes collaborations with MenuSifu, the largest point-of-sale provider for Asian restaurants in the US, serving over 12,000 clients, and Kyomirai in Japan. These alliances are set to accelerate Hestia’s entry into international markets. In 2024, Hestia reported USD 3.8 million in revenue and grew its team to 88 staff members.
A Vision Beyond Kitchens
While the robotic chef has already made waves, Chen believes the journey is just beginning. ‘Science should serve humanity,’ he emphasised. ‘Our robotic chef isn’t just about automation—it’s about preserving culinary traditions, enhancing efficiency, and making exceptional food accessible to everyone, wherever they are.’
Looking ahead, Chen envisions expanding the application of robotics beyond kitchens. ‘This is just the beginning,’ he said. ‘Our ultimate goal is to push the boundaries of AI and robotics, not only in food but in other industries. We want to inspire the next generation of innovators to think creatively about solving global challenges.’
Hong Kong Quantum AI Lab HKQAI, co-founded by professors from HKU and Caltech under the AIR@InnoHK research cluster, operates as part of the HKSAR Government’s InnoHK initiative to foster global research collaboration and establish Hong Kong as a leading hub for advanced technology. HKQAI focuses on developing transformative AI and robotics technologies by integrating algorithms, software, and hardware into an ‘AI + Quantum Chemistry + Robotics’ platform for new material discovery. Leveraging this approach, the lab expands the application of robotic technology across industries, driving impactful advancements and innovation. |
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