Has McDonald's found the networked kitchen of the future?
McDonald's is networking its kitchen equipment to save energy, use powerlines more effectively and save some dough.
Using gear from a company called Echelon McDonald's plans to network its kitchen equipment to manage energy use and cut maintenance costs through networked powerlines.
In a statement, Echelon noted that McDonald's kitchen equipment will communicate "over existing power lines, making for easy installation and retrofitting of equipment while enabling McDonald's to install the equipment without tearing out walls. McDonald's tested various alternative technologies, including radio frequency (RF), but found Echelon's power line technology to be the most reliable and cost-effective solution."
Data from all of this kitchen equipment will be collected on Echelon servers and analyzed to improve processes and manage costs. Echelon also notes that its platform will also connect to heating and air conditioning systems and lighting setups.
The Wall Street Journal reported that McDonald's is hoping to shave 10 percent of its $1 billion energy budget. Echelon notes that some office buildings have cut energy use by 20 percent. If those savings pan out a little networking may be coming to a kitchen near you.
Related reading:
- Broadband over powerlines: It may take awhile.
- Gallery: How broadband over powerlines works.
- Microsoft preps Windows kitchen client.
- All kitchen technology items (I'm a bit surprised we have this much lying around).