Press Release: CSUF Students Create Innovative Cooking Assistant for Formerly Unhoused Individuals
Fullerton, CA – Graduate students at California State University, Fullerton, have developed a groundbreaking smart cooking assistant designed to help formerly unhoused individuals learn to cook in their new permanent homes. Spearheaded by computer science majors Hammad Sheikh and Sugandha Bhandari, the prototype uses a mini-computer equipped with a camera and infrared thermal sensors to offer real-time cooking guidance.
“This technology provides step-by-step instructions for simple recipes like chicken teriyaki and spaghetti,” explained Sheikh. “It observes what’s cooking and ensures every step is performed correctly.” This innovative approach not only assists in meal preparation but also fosters independence among users, including seniors and those with Alzheimer’s, making cooking more accessible.
The project is part of a larger initiative funded by a $1.25 million National Science Foundation grant aimed at integrating smart-home technology in supportive housing for previously unhoused individuals. The interdisciplinary team, led by Associate Professor Anand Panangadan, collaborates with other faculty members and local nonprofits like Mercy House and Jamboree Housing Corp to ensure that the developed technologies meet the needs of the community.
Following a series of focus groups in 2022 that assessed the technology needs of individuals in permanent supportive housing, the team initiated the development of several prototypes. In addition to the cooking assistant, other innovations include a smart pill dispenser and a wellness check system designed to enhance safety and well-being in these environments.
“Testing of these technologies is set to begin this summer at designated supportive housing sites,” noted Kiran George, associate dean for graduate programs. “Our work illustrates how technology can significantly improve services and empower those affected by homelessness, facilitating their transition to self-sufficiency.”
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