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World’s first combi oven with AI powered fully-automated cooking
ConvoSense: Recognize. Understand. Act.
The future of automated cooking and baking has begun. Artificial intelligence and cutting-edge sensor technology open up completely new perspectives in food preparation.
For many retailers the ability to offer food is becoming more and more important as a secondary line of business. Shop-in-shop solutions have been successful for some time, for example at petrol stations and other convenience stores. What is most in demand are concepts that can be operated with a small number of staff and the most straight-forward planning.
In countries such as France and Great Britain, in-house food concepts are already a familiar sight in large retail chains. Hans-Werner Schmidt, Managing Director of Welbilt Germany, in a recent interview for the magazine, Trendkompass, explains that Australia and the USA are also pioneers in this area. But there is also a lot of potential in Germany and other neighbouring European countries.
Special demands on equipment in retail
The special demands on a kitchen in a retail environment must be taken into account right from the start: A kitchen in a retail environment must meet completely different criteria than one in a restaurant. The three main challenges area a lack of trained staff, limited floor space and difficulty with air extraction. So, you need space-saving and easy-to-operate equipment. Cleaning must also be uncomplicated, preferably by means of built-in cleaning systems.
Limited space also has a direct impact on the workflow. The short time customers spend at the counter is relevant. Guests should wait no longer than two minutes so preparation and service must be quick. Products that can be prepared in a short time and served directly to the guests prove to be an advantage here. Especially if there is no option to keep them warm. "This means that products and devices have to be optimally matched," emphasises Hans-Werner Schmidt.
Successfully offering food and beverages with Welbilt products
Welbilt products, for instance Convotherm combi ovens, high-speed ovens from Merrychef and Multiplex’s FreshBlender self-serve drinks machine, have all been designed to meet these needs. They score highly in terms of ease of operation, including cleaning, are space- and energy-saving and are highly durable.
Increased automation for efficient food preparation and serving
Technology also is key to success. KitchenConnect®, Welbilt’s cloud-based network management system, makes data management and analysis in real-time easy.
Automatic cooking with Press&Go, and ConvoSense which is the first world’s ever fully automatic cooking using AI, eliminate the need to program, reducing food waste and increasing efficiency without any compromise on quality.
Welbilt also offers its customers a wide range of support - from training courses and introductions to the operation of the devices, to advice on the selection of products and offers, to regular maintenance.
Read the full interview with Hans-Werner Schmidt in Trendkompass magazine.
