Spark New Zealand : Simon Gault teams up with Samsung and Spark to cook a ‘cray cray’ feast from afar

Tech meets taste: Harnessing the power of 5G, New Zealanders watch as celebrity chef, Simon Gault, controls a robot chef arm from 600km away.

Samsung and Spark have partnered with award-winning chef Simon Gault, and Wellington restaurant Charley Noble Eatery and Bar, to serve up a unique dining experience. Using a 5G-powered robotic arm from RML Machinery and ABB Robotics nicknamed Robo-Chop, Simon helped cook a delicious crayfish sub for guests in Wellington today, all from his Auckland deli more than 600km away.

The collaboration showcases the power of Samsung and Spark's ultra-fast 5G connectivity that is currently being rolled out across New Zealand's major cities. Simon had visuals of what was happening in Wellington via a series of Samsung S23 phones capturing all the action.

"We are thrilled to take our partnership with Spark to the next level and demonstrate the capabilities of 5G in such a unique way," says Todd Selwyn, Head of Networks at Samsung Electronics New Zealand.

"The 5G technology we've delivered for Spark in Wellington allows for increased capacity and network traffic in the Wellington CBD. This event celebrates 5G coverage across the entire Wellington CBD, and we're so proud to provide the infrastructure that is unlocking this next wave of innovation," says Todd.

The experience comes as Spark reaches 90 locations across New Zealand having access to its 5G network. Renee Mateparae, Spark's Network and Operations Director says Spark is making great progress with its roll out and is excited to bring its potential to life with the legendary Simon Gault, and partners.

"This really is a great example of our guiding kaupapa at Spark - Hello Tomorrow - which is all about using technology to unleash an Aotearoa that's full of possibilities.

"By partnering with great local innovators like Simon, Charley Noble, and world-class technology like Samsung, we hope to enable that future full of possibilities.

"As we provide 5G to more of Aotearoa and as we start to connect all of our 5G cell sites into a fully end-to-end 5G network*, we'll start seeing many more use cases like Robo-Chop as New Zealanders start to realise the transformative potential of these new 5G capabilities on a much larger scale."

Award-winning New Zealand celebrity chef, Simon Gault, says, "Cooking via a 5G powered robot is something I never thought I would do in my career, and it's been an epic experience indeed! I'm looking forward to seeing how 5G will evolve in the future particularly in the culinary space."

Hamilton based robotics specialists, RML Machinery and ABB Robotics have also helped bring the project to life. RML CEO Daryl Joyce says, "We work with leading-edge technology like robotics and high-speed networks on a daily basis to serve a variety of customers' needs. We love a challenge and enjoy adding to the conversation about the possibilities that technology and automation can provide, so this was a great opportunity for the RML team to showcase future capabilities."

Simon Gault's 5G sub creation includes soft bun filled with premium New Zealand crayfish, complemented by a fresh slaw and a Spicy Kaffir Lime & Coriander Dressing, and topped with toasted white sesame seeds, Coromandel kelp, a hint of chilli, Opito Bay sea salt, and a touch of bonito.

The future of food and flavour is just a byte away!

*Also known as '5G Standalone.'