Only the most skilled baristas are able to create intricate foam art by hand.
Now, a new system named Ripple Maker, could allow anyone to print complicated designs on their lattes and cappuccinos.
The technology works by combining 3D printing technology with an ink-jet system that prints out natural coffee extract, called Ripple Pods.
A new system, named Ripple Maker, could allow anyone to print complicated designs on their lattes and cappuccinos using an app
Users can choose designs through the Ripple app, such as inspirational messages and images of their loved ones.
Images can be taken from Ripples’ content library, or customers can submit an image from their camera roll which will be transformed into foam art at the venue.
The images can then be edited, scaled, filtered and have text added.
According to Steam CC, the company behind the system, the image is printed on the coffee in less than 10 seconds.
RIPPLE MAKER: KEY FEATURES
– Wi-Fi enabled device that is around 8.5 inches x 10.5 inches
– No artificial colour is added, Ripple images are produced in ‘Coffee Scale’ – coffee based shades rather than full colour
– The system adjusts automatically to a range of coffee cups up to 7′ high and 4.5′ wide
– Ripples are produced within 10 seconds
– Ripples’ content library has hundreds of images and messages to choose from; new images constantly uploaded in real-time to the cloud,
– Coffee lovers can use the app to browse Ripples’ content library or submit their own image, picture, design or message that gets sent to their local Ripple Maker to produce
– Ripples’ content library is an open platform for any artist to submit images for consideration
The system also automatically adjusts to a range of coffee cups up to 7 inches high and 4.5 inches wide.
Priced at $999 (£640), the Ripple Maker is currently only available to commercial establishments that serve coffee.
Lufthansa will be the first global brand to use the technology, and it will be rolling it out in their First and Business Class lounges later this year.
‘Latte art is one the most shared images on social media. We’re taking latte art to a whole new level,’ said Yossi Meshulam, CEO of Steam CC, parent of Ripples.
‘When you put something beautiful in someone’s hands, they want to share it. That’s how we’re making a ripple on the world.’
Credit: ELLIE ZOLFAGHARIFARD FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
