# Self-Cleaning Coolers The Hi-Tech Futuristic Fridge Tells What to Cook and Store By manzil | Published 2010-12-28 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-hi-tech-fridge References: [dailymail](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1341190/Revealed-The-hi-tech-fridge-future-tell-dinner.html) & [ocado](http://www.ocado.com/webshop/startWebshop.do) The scientists at the University of Central Lancashire and online supermarket Ocado have come up with an idea of a futuristic hi-tech fridge that not only cleans itself, but also orders fresh food. Appropriately named the Hi-Tech Fridge, this cooler features an advanced technology that scans the shelves inside, provides a meal plan and places a food order. The self-cleaning hi-tech fridge is equipped with ultrasound-scanning technology that allows the doors to assess the type and amount of food wasted. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 31% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Hi-tech Fridges:** Opportunity for companies to invest in research and development of smart refrigerators with advanced features like self-cleaning, meal planning and food ordering. - **Ultrasound-scanning Technology:** Potential to integrate in other products for waste assessment and optimization, such as smart pantry and cabinets or even in retail stores. - **Automated Meal Planning:** Room for innovation in developing software and AI to provide personalized meal plans based on user preferences and dietary requirements. ### Who This Affects Most - **Home Appliance Industry:** Opportunity for manufacturers of refrigerators and similar appliances to differentiate themselves in the market with advanced features. - **Retail Industry:** Potential for grocery stores and online retailers to incorporate ultrasound-scanning technology to reduce food waste and improve inventory management. - **Food-tech Industry:** Room for innovation in developing software and AI to provide personalized meal plans based on user preferences and dietary requirements. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sleek Food Display Fridges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kollect-smart.md) - [Recipe-Recommending Smart Fridges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bespoke-4door-flex-refrigerator.md) - [Assistive Smart Refrigerators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kitchen-assistant.md) - [Compartmentalized Smart Refrigerators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aura-refrigerator.md) - [Sleek Contemporary Smart Fridges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-smart-fridge.md) - [AI Recipe Assistant Fridges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jumbo-sidebyside-refrigerator.md) - [Smart Food Management](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-fridge.md) - [Connected Grocer Order Fridges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kroger-smart-fridges.md) - [Smart Fridge Purifiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shelfy.md)