WAN Showcases AI Chef Ultra With Real-Time Cooking AI At CES 2026

At CES 2026, WAN presented the AI Chef Ultra, an AI-powered microwave designed to automate cooking decisions rather than rely on fixed presets or manual programming. The system was demonstrated live on the show floor, giving attendees a hands-on look at how the appliance approaches cooking through real-time observation and adaptive control.

During the demo, WAN emphasized a simplified user workflow: users place raw ingredients and seasoning into a bowl and insert it into the microwave without setting cooking time or temperature. Once cooking begins, the AI Chef Ultra automatically selects and manages the cooking process, removing the need for manual adjustments or predefined programs.

A central feature highlighted during the show-floor demonstration was a camera located inside the microwave cavity. This internal camera allows the system to visually monitor food as it cooks. The presenter said that temperature sensors that measure the internal and external temperatures are used in conjunction with the camera. Feedback on the food’s progress during cooking is continuously provided by these inputs.

The microwave has a camera inside of it.

The AI Chef Ultra dynamically modifies cooking time and temperature in real-time rather than adhering to a set heating cycle. The system adjusts its operation to consider variations in ingredients, moisture content, and cooking time as circumstances change. This adaptive method was promoted as an alternative to conventional microwaves, which rely on static presets.

The ability of the microwave to cook various foods in different ways on the same plate was one of the more unique features showcased at CES. The WAN representative clarified that different parts of the cooking area can receive different temperatures from the system. This eliminates the need for separate steps and enables the simultaneous preparation of ingredients with varying cooking requirements in a single dish.

The AI Chef Ultra’s link to a recipe library with over 1,000 recipes was also demonstrated. Although recipes offer direction, real-time data from the camera and sensors is used to continuously modify the final cooking process.

Filed in Home >Robots. Read more about AI (Artificial Intelligence), CES and CES 2026.