We have witnessed how some peculiar and unique technologies showcased in novels and movies have turned into reality over the past few years all thanks to the advancement made by science and technology and this particular post is also about one such gadget/technology. So, how many of you remember the Star Trek food replicator? Yes, Nestlé is all set to work on a similar technology and the project has been dubbed as ‘Iron Man’ although there is no connection to the Tony Stark’s Iron Man.
Nestlé has a research department by the name of Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences that is heading this program, ‘Iron Man’ currently has about 110 scientists working on the program and are busy in learning how to tackle a number of disorders pertaining to brain, gastrointestinal tract and metabolism with food. Ultimately, the company plans for the Iron Man to be able to scan an individual’s body and ascertain which nutrients is the particular individual missing or lacking in and then create supplements that will cater to the individual’s deficiencies.
The best part of such an ambitious project is the fact that you may very well witness remedies related to certain disorders that will cure or at least alleviate the symptoms. However, we can foresee a number of how to be a cook books going to waste.
According to the NIHS’s Directore, Ed Baetge; ‘Iron Man is an analysis of what’s missing in our diets, and a product, tailored to you, to help make up that difference. In the past, food was just food. We’re going in a new direction.’ Baetge also admits that this technology and its materialization is still generations away but according to him, he is quite hopeful and said; ‘Out comes your food at the press of a button. If we do this right, it can be the next microwave in your kitchen.’
We have got our fingers crossed and we really hope that Nestlé pulls this off soon enough. The idea of having a gadget that can scan, identify the lacking nutrients and then provide with those supplements is more than just mouth-watering.