It sounds like a fantasy, but it could be about to come true thanks to a robot chef developed by British scientists.

 

They have come up with a set of robotic arms so sophisticated that they are capable of cooking meals from scratch.

 

The device will be sold from as early as 2017 as part of a purpose-built high-tech³ kitchen, priced at around £10,000, which includes an oven, hob, dishwasher and sink.

 

Scientists at Moley Robotics spent almost 18 years developing the hands, which are each governed by 24 motors, 26 micro-controllers and 129 sensors⁴.

 

According to its creators, the arms can chop, stir, whisk and baste⁵ well enough to recreate almost anything you would care to eat, whether it is a simple home-cooked supper, or an elaborate concoction⁶ designed by a world-class chef.

 

The hands move a little slowly, hovering⁷ strangely above the work surface whenever they are not busy, but they imitate human movements closely enough that they can do things such as wipe a spoon on the edge of a pan to prevent drips.

 

But last year, after Russian engineer Mark Oleynik approached the team with the notion of turning the hands into an everyday household gadget⁸, the concept of the robot chef was born.

 

Even if there are a few splatters, it shouldn't matter – the gadget will load the dishwasher and wipe down the work surfaces afterwards.

 

The arms will tuck up out of the way when not in use, making space for their owners to get their own hands dirty.

 

Mr Oleynik, who is spearheading the project, said: 'All the things which are possible with the hand are possible here. There is no limitation.

 

'A lot of people want to go to Michelin-starred restaurants, but they are quite expensive and may be quite far from the home. This is an opportunity for people to enjoy very good food, and for a reasonable price.'

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