Kitchen 4.0 is already here, according to visionary kitchen designer Gopal Dwivedi and global chief design officer at Livspace. He says today’s consumer is comfortable with a digital and connected kitchen, as that makes life convenient and enjoyable. “Therefore the kitchen business is all about technology.”
According to Dwivedi, business owners should be mindful of their customers’ preference for, and comfort with, technology. To meet customer expectations, they should be tech-savvy themselves. They should be integrating the latest technologies in every aspect of their operations, be it customer engagement at the point of retail, managing the design to manufacturing process, or the installation and after sales.
Dwivedi has been honoured with the Kitchen Professional Award at the India Kitchen Congress, and his masterclass on kitchen and wardrobe design and sales is much sought-after. He has authored the books Modular Kitchen Planning & Designing Guide and Modular Wardrobe Planning & Designing Guide.
“Investments in technology for the design-to-delivery of kitchens are highly viable,” he assures while providing a veritable to-do list for kitchen enterprises.
What significant trends are you seeing in the adoption of technology in the kitchen business?
The adoption of technology in the kitchen solutions segment in India has witnessed significant advancements in recent years. The rise of smart kitchens has brought in appliances with smart sensors, energy-efficient features, touchless faucets, and voice-command-enabled systems for seamless functionality. Modular kitchens now include advanced hardware like soft-close mechanisms, pull-down accessories, and integrated storage tailored to Indian cooking needs. Sustainability is a growing focus, with energy-saving induction cooktops, advanced water purifiers, and waste segregation systems becoming popular.
Indian-specific innovations such as built-in tandoors, air fryers, and digital pressure cookers with pre-set Indian menus cater to local tastes. Additionally, smart countertops with USB ports, wireless charging, and interactive backsplashes with displays are gaining traction. AI-driven recipe recommendations, cooking assistants, and enhanced safety features like gas leak detectors and app-controlled child locks enhance convenience. These advancements reflect evolving consumer needs and a shift toward smarter, safer, and more efficient kitchens.
In your view, what are the top three purposes for which technology is being considered for deployment in the design-to-delivery process?
Technology is being increasingly deployed in the design-to-delivery process to achieve three key purposes. Improved design visualisation and customisation enable customers to preview their kitchen layouts in real time before execution. Tools like 3D visualisation software (e.g., SketchUp, AutoCAD) and AR/VR technologies allow customers to experience photorealistic renderings and virtual walkthroughs of their kitchens. AI-driven design tools further enhance this by suggesting optimal layouts, materials, and colour schemes tailored to individual preferences.
Enhanced workflow and production automation streamline manufacturing processes, reduce errors, and ensure faster delivery. Technologies like Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) ensure precision in modular component production, while ERP systems integrate inventory, procurement, and logistics. Additionally, IoT-enabled smart machines monitor production in real-time, thereby enhancing efficiency and minimising downtime.
Lastly, end-to-end project management ensures the entire process runs seamlessly. ERP systems integrate design, procurement, inventory, logistics, and installation into a unified workflow. This holistic approach minimises errors, improves coordination, and ensures efficient site preparation and project completion, providing customers with a hassle-free experience.
How viable are the investments in technology; how should the ROI be assessed?
Investments in technology for the design-to-delivery of kitchens are highly viable, as they drive efficiency, precision, and customer satisfaction. Tools like 3D visualisation, AR/VR, and AI-driven design enhance customer engagement, reducing rework and errors, and thereby saving costs. Automation in manufacturing and IoT-enabled monitoring streamline production and minimise delays, while ERP systems ensure seamless project management. These technologies not only accelerate project timelines but also enhance quality and reduce wastage, leading to cost savings.
ROI is evaluated through improved operational efficiency, reduced errors, faster delivery, and higher customer satisfaction, ultimately translating to increased sales, repeat business, and stronger market competitiveness.
While technology investments offer immense potential, certain challenges must be addressed:
- High Initial Costs: Investment in CNC machines, 3D software, and IoT appliances may require significant upfront capital.
- Skill Development: Training employees and designers to work with new technologies can take time and add to costs.
- Consumer Education: Many customers, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, are unfamiliar with the benefits of smart kitchens, slowing adoption.
- ROI Realisation Period: Depending on the market, ROI for tech investments may take 2–5 years to materialise.
Is It worth it? Investing in technology in the kitchen business in India is viable, particularly for enterprises targeting the urban market, premium segment, or aspiring middle-class households in tier-1 cities. While the initial costs may be high, the long-term benefits of operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and differentiation outweigh the risks.
What technologies do you think would be popular in the near future?
In the near future, kitchen design and functionality will be revolutionised by cutting-edge technologies, offering consumers more personalised, efficient, and sustainable solutions. AI-driven design tools and AR/VR visualisation will enable users to experiment with and refine kitchen layouts in immersive virtual environments, tailoring every detail to their preferences. IoT-enabled appliances, including connected ovens, refrigerators, automated storage systems, and voice-controlled assistants will seamlessly integrate into daily life, providing unparalleled convenience, energy efficiency, and ease of use.
Sustainable technologies will also take centre stage, with energy-efficient induction cooktops, water-saving systems, and advanced waste management solutions designed to reduce environmental impact. For eco-conscious consumers, these innovations will not only lower utility costs but also contribute to a greener planet.
In addition, kitchen inventory automation will streamline the process of tracking ingredients, helping users maintain optimal stock levels and reduce food waste. AI-powered cooking assistance will guide home chefs through recipes, offering real-time adjustments to ingredients and cooking times based on available supplies or personal preferences.
Robotic automation in manufacturing will speed up production processes, while hi-tech supply chain management will ensure transparency, precision, and authenticity from design to delivery. These advancements will bring a new era of customisation, efficiency, and sustainability to the kitchen industry, making technology an integral part of everyday culinary experiences. That’s why I say that the kitchen business is all about technology today.
