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But artificial intelligence is no substitute for craftsmanship, creativity and personalized advice
Artificial intelligence suddenly seems to be everywhere. And yet AI is anything but new. Even in the kitchen world, AI has been present for years, although it was (or is) rarely called that. Today we see a breathtaking speed at which AI is evolving. Its benefits are up for grabs. The technology is clearly shifting up a gear, and that leaves no one, in the kitchen industry and beyond, unmoved.
It's a surprise to many, not to some, but you're actually already ‘doing AI’ today. The 3D kitchen planner that creates some possible designs based on space, ergonomics and budget? AI. The smart kitchen appliances that adapt their programs to the different user profiles in the home and at the same time energy consumption? AI. With the evolution that generative AI is now undergoing, AI is growing from a supporting technology to an active partner. Although we should always, really always, use common sense and control the AI work. Just ask Petra De Sutter.
The kitchen specialist who conjures up realistic images of possible arrangements on his or her computer screen during the design phase of a new kitchen is already working with AI today. Only, the evolution is so fast that the creation and display of those pictures will be ten times faster. The end customer is happy with such clear examples and the degree of professionalism of the kitchen professional. The latter, in turn, is pleased with the higher success rate and the extra time freed up to advise and assist customers. Because with AI, kitchen retailers are also able to answer customer questions at any time of day. Provided the necessary monitoring, of course. Perhaps one of AI's most common tasks will be the automatic creation of texts and images to support marketing communications.
Obviously, there are interesting opportunities ahead for manufacturers. These range from the smart features we know today, which will undoubtedly receive the necessary upgrades, to further optimization of production and product, better and smoother quality control and predictive maintenance that is ‘on point. AI brings the opportunity for manufacturers to start customizing devices as well, and let today's consumers be very sensitive to any kind of customization and personalization. Predictive maintenance, or indicating in advance when a device is in need of maintenance, manufacturers score points with that too.
Thanks to AI, the purchasing groups will be able to work out even better market analyses and demand forecasts. This is obviously music to the ears of both the member kitchen specialists and the purchasing groups themselves. After all, this leads to more efficient stock management and more efficient negotiations in terms of purchase prices with manufacturers.
The end customer will undoubtedly need some guidance to embrace AI, perhaps even to overcome some initial apprehension. No, AI applications will not be too difficult, and yes, they can really improve your daily comfort quite a bit. That it is not a panacea, even that message needs to be reported clearly and plainly. AI is only as good as the data provided. Without qualitative input and/or human control, it can go well wrong. An important task for the kitchen specialist lies here. Embrace AI and its possibilities, but remember that artificial intelligence is no substitute for craftsmanship, creativity and personal advice. And let those be the very pillars of the kitchen industry.
