Ever sit down to eat a meal and wish you knew how many calories or salt were in your food? Ever cooked a piece of meat or fish only to later wonder whether it might have gone bad? Last week, Chinese Internet giant Baidu announced that it has been working on a pair of wi-fi-enabled high-tech chopsticks that will be able to detect the nutritional makeup of the food it touches as well as warning consumers of any safety issues such as contaminants or expired food.
At an annual technology conference in Beijing last week, Baidu CEO Robin Li presented the chopsticks as a “new way to realize the world.” The product is called Kuai Sou, or “Searching Chopsticks” in Chinese (which unfortunately sounds an awful lot like the Japanese word for pathetic: kawaisou) and can be linked up with a smart phone app to display all sorts of information about the food it touches. Even without the app, the chopsticks will light up red if they detect any contaminants of expired food. With China’s rise as both a food and technology exporter, these futuristic chopsticks could be just the thing to restore faith in the country after a series of high-profile food safety scandals over the past few years.
▼ Need to know absolutely everything about the salad you’re about to eat? Then these chopsticks are for you!
Image: YouTube (老皓)
▼ And if you’re worried at all about the cooking oil being used, just give it a little stir with the chopsticks to find out more about where it came from and what is in it.
Image: YouTube (老皓)
▼ Besides the other super fancy features, the chopsticks can also be used as a simple thermometer to make sure you are frying at the optimal temperature
Image: YouTube (老皓)
Japanese netizens were somewhat skeptical of whether such a high-tech product would actually work, but many seemed excited about the possibility of being able to know so much about the food they are eating. While some thought the high-tech chopsticks were too good to be true, others wondered if they should really trust a Chinese company considering all of the recent food scandals that have continued to come out of the country.
“More important than food safety, this could help with dieting.”
“Do people really need some expensive chopsticks to tell them what not to eat?”
“No way, I don’t trust Baidu to begin with, much less telling me if my food is safe or not.”
The chopsticks seem to still be in a very early phase of development and Baidu didn’t reveal details regarding a price or release date. How much would you pay for a pair of chopsticks that could tell you the nutritional makeup and safety of your food? Take a look at this video from Baidu explaining the chopsticks and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Video: YouTube (老皓)
Feature image: Baidu
Source: Wall Street Journal (Japan), Naver Matome
Fear of food produced in China continues as new report claims at least 48% of it will make you sick
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Studio Ghibli brings Totoro Soot Sprites out of the anime shadows for a new bag and pouch collection
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
7-Eleven Japan has a lot of famous food, but its new burrito needs to be on your radar
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
Japanese train company brings back beloved “patapata” departure board…with a clever digital twist
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]