real 8-bit sushi marks the beginning of food digitalization and teleportation

yes, sushi teleportation is a thing. digital food platform ‘open meals’ boasted their ability to 3D-print food whilst revealing some nifty appetite appeasing technology at the south by southwest interactive festival this weekend.

images courtesy of open meals

but how on earth? open meals has created a ‘pixel food printer’ that 3D prints edible pixels. the tech links up to a ‘food base’ which works like a digital database for all sorts of different foods. the mission is to allow people to search, download, and upload food data.

the patent-pending ‘food base’ connects to the pixel food printer, a custom-built robotic arm that prints out pixel cubes made from a type of edible gel. it works by injecting each pixel with different flavors, colors and nutrients, etc. which are then fitted together to create the pixelated 8-bit version of real food.

a four-point manifesto on the company’s website references the idea of food expansion. this means enjoying the food you like whenever you want, wherever you are. open meals could prove revolutionary for astronauts and the space food diet or giving a cooking show chef the ability to transport dishes straight into people’s living rooms.