Last month, a conference session titled “Robot vs Chef: Will AI Augment or Replace the Cook?” took place at CES. The conversation aimed at understanding how AI is writing recipes, guiding techniques, and controlling appliances. The panel featured the founders of Gambit Robotics (a US-based AI-powered kitchen assistant startup), which is now putting its answer to that question on Kickstarter. The company has launched Gambit, which it describes as “the only AI-powered assistant that helps you cook perfectly, every time.”
First featured by Spoon, the rectangular-sized device mounts magnetically under your range hood and uses computer vision, thermal sensing, and on-device AI to monitor what’s happening in your pan. It tracks temperature, doneness, and timing, then delivers step-by-step voice guidance through a built-in speaker and companion app.
The maker notes that the device is designed primarily for stovetop cooking, like sautéing, searing, and frying. Additionally, Gambit can also guide you through prep and oven steps, though it can’t see inside the oven itself.
“Gambit works with a wide range of recipes, including recipes you provide yourself or links from popular cooking sites. You can also cook without a recipe by giving Gambit a high-level goal, and it will guide you step by step as you cook,” the company notes. The AI breaks everything down into manageable steps and alerts you when to stir, flip, or adjust the heat.
The company claims that you don’t even need a recipe. Just tell Gambit what you want to cook, and it guides you through the process. The device learns your preferences over time, including how well-done you like your steak or your preferred cooking pace, and adjusts accordingly.
Another noteworthy feature that had me in awe was its flexibility. The company claims, “Multiple people can use the same Gambit device. Each person can have their own profile to save preferences and settings.”
Notably, basic features like timers and temperature monitoring work without a subscription, but other features, including AI recipe parsing, adaptive guidance, and voice coaching, require Gambit+, a monthly subscription priced between $9 and $15. “The subscription also unlocks New recipes, upgraded AI models, and additional cooking techniques,” the company states.
The retail price is slated to be above $500 for hardware plus the monthly subscription, but the company is offering Super Early Bird units for $389, and Early Bird deals at $439. Gambit works with iOS 15+, Android 10+, and is compatible with most gas, electric, and induction stoves. The device charges on its magnetic dock and provides several hours of active cooking time per charge. Early backers can expect their shipments to arrive during the fourth quarter.
