Ambient Hob is a variable kitchen platform. An inductive surface intelligently recognizes 

cookware which is rotated to adjust the cooking temperature and thus eliminates knob- or 

touch interfaces. Completely new kitchen configurations are possible. The kitchen itself could 

be redefined as a new room not only for cooking and preparing meals but also for working, 

living or just coming together.

Too many cooks spoil the broth? We believe that cooking should be a social and sensuous 

activity most kitchens however are equipped with boxy and localized cooking appliances 

designed to be used by a single person. The team’s goal was thus to reinvent the humble hob 

at the center of the kitchen.We wanted to improve both, the usability and versatility of the 

everyday stove, allowing for a rich multi sensory experience and catering towards universal 

social and cultural needs. 

The basis of our technology is an array of induction coils implemented in the kitchen worktops, 

thus transforming virtually every surface, be it wood, stone or glass, into a cooking area. An 

intelligent system of sensors locates the cookware on the surface and activates the corresponding 

induction coils. The cooking temperature is regulated by rotating the cookware itself. An ambient 

display projected by a ring of light underneath the circular handle corresponds to the adjusted 

temperature setting. 

In addition to the visual feedback a tactile response is given when the temperature is changed. 

This is achieved by a short peak in rotational resistance delivered by the inductive magnets. The 

combination of visual and haptic feedback ensures intuitive and precise usage. Additionally, when 

the surface is not used for cooking, the underlying technology can be used to ​inductively charge 

electrical devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones

Firstly, we started investigating different needs in and around the kitchen. After a survey of 143 

persons and interviewing several kitchen professionals (chefs, interior architects,) we discovered 

that most people where only rarely cooking at home and if so, they were doing it alone. During the 

research of different kitchen configurations we realized that most kitchen layouts were only optimized 

for one cook at a time. This became especially evident when analyzing stove interfaces, since these 

are typically unidirectional, meaning only usable when standing directly in front. 

We promptly began building cardboard prototypes in order to test and evaluate different inter-

actionparadigms that would admit more inclusive behavior. We then produced several foam models 

to determine ergonomic and structural necessities. Simultaneously, we developed the required sensor 

and actuator technology composed of micro controllers, accelerometers, gyroscopes, LEDs and 

haptic actuators. Finally, after an informal user testing, we determined the visual and haptic

feedback and started manufacturing two final functioning prototypes in two different sizes.

Current cooktops are typically bounded by generic rectangles leaving little room for spacial 

freedom and prohibit multidirectional access through unidirectional interfaces. Our platform enables 

virtually every kitchen configuration, limitless in size and layout. We are proud to have developed a 

new kitchen concept with the power to transform entire homes toward more openness and inclusion 

by combining innovative technology and a truly simple yet familiar interaction paradigm.