There are more than 2.5 billion people worldwide who are connected to the Internet. Back in 2008, the number of Internet-connected things overtook the number of people in the world, and at this moment, there are over 10 billion things connected to the Internet. This ever-increasing ‘Internet of Things’ continues to grow every single minute.
Whirlpool brand has a strong reputation for pioneering technological advances – key concepts that they actively integrate into their product development. The future consumer will continue to expect a great deal from their appliances, not only to be frugal with energy, and with outstanding performance and results; they also want them to be easy and intuitive to use, as well as saving time and effort.
Whirlpool has foreseen the future kitchen as a natural progression from where we are now and developed a concept kitchen to demonstrate where we might be in the near future. The Whirlpool Interactive Kitchen of the Future concept features an interactive splash back and cooktop that connects the consumer to their social networks, favourite websites, and recipes, for meal and guest planning with no additional devices or books required. The interactive splash back features a personalised touch screen which facilitates live ‘chats’ with mum for secret recipe tips and offers wine recommendations for the selected meal, while the future kitchen hob lists the dishes’ ingredients and tells you where to place each saucepan automatically.
The Interactive Kitchen of the Future is a project that explores how connectivity and sensorial interaction could evolve in the kitchen and our home environment in the near future. The ever-increasing complexity in the home with multiple schedules, the need for multi-tasking, pressure of time constraints and contemporary living are making home life and free-time increasingly precious. Consumers want products that will simplify their lives and are a pleasure to use.
The way we lead our lives has changed profoundly over the last decade. People now need to stay in constant communication, maintaining minute-to-minute schedule flexibility and having the ability to adapt fast.
The Whirlpool concept kitchen simulates a day in the life in a smart kitchen. It highlights the kitchen as a cooking and informational hub, showcasing how Whirlpool smart technology will help a family cook, clean and care in the near future. Using a smart backsplash and countertop, Whirlpool has evolved their conceptual smart kitchen to learn a family’s likes and routines so the environment and appliances can anticipate their unique needs and adapt to unforeseen changes such as unexpectedly caring for a sick child or the need to adapt a favourite recipe based on the ingredients available.
Whirlpool foresees sensor technology, which can measure the nutritional content in a packed lunch, and an interactive kitchen, which can monitor the arrival time of the school bus and suggest breakfast ideas based on how much time a parent has to get their children out the door. A signal from the baby monitor notes when it’s time to warm the baby’s bottle on the induction cooktop, and the interactive display shows cooking alerts and reminders to “flip” or “stir” ingredients when required. Smart vessels will sense their contents and automatically heat or cool to the ideal temperature, and the presence of packaged goods will auto-set a microwave.
Alessandro Finetto, senior director of global consumer design, Whirlpool EMEA, says: “We have observed among our consumers that key concerns when running their homes are cost and environmental impact. Investments in innovation and improved energy efficiency in economic appliances has greatly reduced energy consumption, however to improve further in these fields we have recognised the need to take the next step.
“It is important that the most powerful innovations are inspired by human behaviours and a real need. We began with a team of dedicated specialists who analysed a typical family routine and matched that with the latest emerging technologies to create Whirlpool brand’s vision of how a family will cook and clean in the near future.
“Whirlpool brand creates technology with purpose that gives the busy consumer the time and freedom to do what really matters to them. It is important to us that new products should empower and positively impact daily living; otherwise it’s simply technology for its own sake. The future, according to Whirlpool, envisages more products that help you enjoy living today, releasing time to spend with friends and family, and with one foot going forward to tomorrow.”
For more information on all current Whirlpool product ranges, and your nearest stockist, visit the website at www.whirlpool.co.uk
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Image captions:
The Whirlpool Interactive Kitchen of the Future is an intelligent and connected concept cooking environment that predicts the future of the smart kitchen.
Notes for editor:
About Whirlpool brand:
The Whirlpool brand is part of Whirlpool UK Appliances Limited. Superior performance, intuitive technology, and cutting-edge design are the key pillars of the Whirlpool brand, achieving industry and consumer recognition for its collection of intelligent 6th Sense appliance technology.
About Whirlpool UK Appliances Limited:
Whirlpool UK Appliances Limited is managed by Whirlpool EMEA, part of Whirlpool Corporation, the global leader in manufacturing and marketing of home appliances. Whirlpool UK Appliances Limited is the only white goods manufacturer in the UK to operate its own independent service and logistics operations.
About Whirlpool Corporation: Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR), is the number one major appliance manufacturer in the world, with approximately $21 billion in annual sales, 97,000 employees and 70 manufacturing and technology research centers in 2015. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, Jenn-Air, Indesit, Hotpoint and other major brand names in nearly every country throughout the world. With more than 24,000 employees, a market presence in more than 30 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and manufacturing sites in eight countries, Whirlpool Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) is a fully owned subsidiary of Whirlpool Corporation. Its European Operating Center is located in Comerio, Italy. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com, or find us on Twitter at @WhirlpoolCorp.
For further press information and images please contact:
Claire at jmm PR
Tel: 01536 414555
Email: claire@jmmpr.co.uk
21st April 2016
