Will Cooks be replaced by AI & Robots?

Key findings

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is unlikely to impact cooks in the kitchen.

The nature of cooking, requiring physical tasks and human creativity, remains a challenge for AI.

Cooks prepare and cook food, follow recipes, and maintain a clean workspace.

Their teamwork and communication skills are vital.

GenAI’s inability to perform physical tasks ensures blue-collar workers like cooks are shielded from automation, with potential increased demand for their skills.

How could AI or automation replace or complement job activities?

AI and LLMs like Chatgpt could potentially assist cooks by providing recipe suggestions, monitoring food stock levels, and managing special dietary requests.

However, they may not fully replace the need for human cooks in tasks such as food preparation, operating cooking equipment, and ensuring food safety standards.

For example, AI could streamline inventory management, but human cooks are essential for the creativity and quality control required in menu creation and food preparation.

Job description

Prepares and cooks food in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Follows recipes and maintains a clean work area. Works well in a team and communicates effectively with other kitchen staff.