New study delves into the ethics and social impact of robotics on our food practices

California Polytechnic has received a $700k grant from the National Science Foundation to investigate the social and ethical impacts of AI and cooking automation.

The impact of emerging technology on our ways of life — particularly on deeply rooted habits and practices which would’ve previously appeared impossible to dislodge — demands exploration.

The practice of home cooking, in particular, is an everyday household ritual which can be experienced as anything from a banal chore to an act that fosters intimacy and community. This staple practice is changing in front of our eyes as more and more of the work we do at home is outsourced to automation.

As Professor Patrick Lin says, "Robot or AI kitchens would automate a special place and communal activity in the home, so that immediately warrants critical attention."

Read more about the ethics of AI and robotics on Michael Wolf’s blog for The Spoon.