The new Aeralab milk-steaming system from Iberital is designed to recognize the type of milk being steamed automatically. The first of its kind, the Aeralab milk-steaming system recognizes whether you are using plant-based milk, dairy, and even chocolate.
Depending on the type of milk you are using, the Aeralab system automatically determines the type of foaming process needed for the milk. The different processes are optimized to get the best possible foam out of different types of milk. The system is designed to help people get great milk foam regardless of whether they are using dairy or plant-based milk for their drinks.
The Aeralab system is designed to make it easy for users to steam their milk. Instead of arduously calculating and calibrating the proper temperature based on the type of milk you’re using, the Aeralab does it all for you. To use the machine, all users have to do is fill up a pitcher with cold milk, then the Aeralab does the rest.
Non-dairy milk is becoming more popular among people from all around the world. Whether it’s because they are allergic or prefer sustainable plant-based diets, studies show that around 38% of people consume non-dairy milk Trusted Source Who is substituting milk with plant-based beverages and why? - Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics In a recent study published in the Journal of Dairy Science, we surveyed 995 U.S. households to understand whether Americans are consuming milk, plant-based alternative beverages or both. www.canr.msu.edu , with an additional 16% using both non-dairy and dairy products. Non-dairy milk is a great substitute as it provides a unique flavor but similar consistency to dairy milk, allowing people who eat plant-based diets to enjoy a creamy flavor in their drinks and food.
However, for coffee drinkers, this can be tough since it can be hard to foam non-dairy and plant-based milk Trusted Source Getting Nondairy Milks to Froth | Cook's Illustrated When buying alternative milks that you want to froth, make sure gellan is on the ingredient list. www.cooksillustrated.com . One of the reasons for this is that not all plant-based milk can be foamed. To foam non-dairy milk, users have to choose options that contain gellan, a food additive used as a preservative and thickener for the milk. Any other type of plant-based milk will simply not foam regardless of the steam temperature. However, even with the right type of plant-based milk, calibrating the proper temperature for cafe-quality foam is very tough.
The Aeralab is designed to make things much easier for people in the kitchen. Whether you use dairy milk or plant-based options for your drinks, this machine can steam it for you. In the coffee world, the Aeralab is the only system that can automatically detect the type of milk you’re using. From there, the system calibrates the proper process needed to create high-quality milk foam.
This innovation was spearheaded by Iberital and Labprints, which is a startup founded by 2009 World Latte Art champion, Peter Hernou. The steamer detects the type of milk being used through spectral analysis and a cloud-based algorithm. The machine scans the liquid in the jug to determine the type of milk being used, and the algorithm determines the appropriate process for steaming the milk.
One of the main features that sets this machine apart from the rest is that it uses liquid recognition and not pitcher recognition. This allows the machine to remain functional even as time goes by and new types of milk are developed. In the words of Hernou, the main advantage of this is, “the machine updates its software and firmware from where it’s located — and whenever new kinds of milk are launched, we can enrich the database of milk and recipes.”
The Aeralab machine is already making waves in the community. In 2021, the same year the company launched the system, the Aeralab has already won an innovation reward at the HostMilano trade show. On top of the automatic milk detection, users also have the freedom to calibrate the temperature and volume of the milk for even more control.
While the Aeralab took a long while to develop, the creators are confident the machine can stand the test of time. With a cloud-based algorithm, the company can make as many tweaks and adjustments as needed. They can also update the algorithm to accept and recognize new milk recipes that are newly developed, allowing the machine to stay functional and relevant for a long time coming.
