PrintStarbucks Trembles
Chemical engineers at Nestlé have invented a machine that can distinguish between good and bad espresso nearly as accurately as trained espresso tasters. The machine is meant to be used as a quality control device in the coffee industry. [via engadget, title from Chris Fredette]
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5 Comments:
First off - a machine, as much as some might believe, will never be able to replace the sensory system of a human. Second, this machine...created by those who brought us Nescafe - yuk! I love the application of science as much as the next guy, but this press release is just Nestle tooting their own horn.
GingerSnap at 9:39PM on 02/13/08
On the other hand, if it did work ( which Ginger i agree with you 100%) does starbucks really sell that many espressos? i thought they just sold that garbage that passes for cappuccinos... Then again i haven't been to one in quite some time
bobfole at 2:13AM on 02/14/08
Why wouldn't a machine be able to match the sensory system of a human?
ccbweb at 2:39AM on 02/14/08
It's probably about the amount and balance of certain chemicals in the coffee.
If that's what it is, then it will be more precise and accurate than a barista.
Still... WHERE'S THE LOVE?!
levinedym at 5:22PM on 02/14/08
A machine can pick up levels of certain aromatic volatiles, yes...but only the human brain can put them all together to create what your mind considers a sensory experience. That is where a machine will fall flat. Many aromatic compounds are at such low levels, they aren't detectable, and although a machine can pick up some markers, there may be hundreds of low level chemicals working in unison, that aren't detectable. The topic would take a lot more time and energy than I am willing to type into this blog.
Cheers!
GingerSnap at 12:53AM on 02/15/08