EcoPilot: Winterhalter optimises the washing process with the help of artificial intelligence
Many foodservice businesses run their warewashers on the same standard programme regardless of the actual workload, which often results in unnecessarily high energy and water consumption. With EcoPilot, Winterhalter presents an intelligent solution that addresses this very issue: with the help of artificial intelligence, EcoPilot recognises recurring peak times and quiet periods. By selecting programmes that match actual needs, energy consumption can be reduced by up to 17 %. At the same time, CO₂ emissions are reduced and valuable resources are conserved. All without compromising on hygiene or wash results.
“Through the analysis of usage patterns, EcoPilot automatically selects the most efficient washing programme. This enables us to actively support our customers in the optimisation of their washing process,” explains Benjamin Köb, Head of Digital Services at Winterhalter. During quiet periods, the machine uses the particularly energy-efficient Eco programme, whilst during peak times it automatically switches to the time-saving short programme. This ensures optimal use of both energy and time. With this needs‑oriented programme selection, energy consumption can be reduced by up to 17 %. Although the energy savings result from a lower wash temperature, the hygienically perfect wash result remains unaffected, because the wash time is correspondingly extended in accordance with the principles of the Sinner’s Circle.
With the help of artificial intelligence, EcoPilot continuously analyses the warewasher’s operation, identifies recurring patterns and, based on this, automatically selects the most efficient washing programme. This is based on historical data. In other words: how often the warewasher has been used in the past and during which periods. In addition to the historical data, the time preceding the prediction also plays a major role. If, for example, the warewasher has been used more than usual in the hour prior, the Eco programme will not be activated. Weather forecasts are also taken into account by the AI model.
EcoPilot is available free of charge for all connected undercounter warewashers in the UC Series and passthrough dishwashers in the PT Series and can be enabled or disabled individually. The basic requirement for use is that the machine must be registered for CONNECTED WASH. When activated, the display turns purple and the AI symbol appears. If EcoPilot needs to be deactivated only temporarily – for example, because the volume of dishes has changed contrary to the prediction – the mode can be paused quickly and easily via the display.
Digitalisation plays a key role in the commercial kitchen of the future: connected machines enable improved monitoring, control and maintenance. Through the intelligent analysis of data and the use of modern sensor technology, processes can be optimised, resources used more efficiently and potential faults detected at an early stage. This not only boosts efficiency but also enhances sustainability and operating safety in professional kitchens. With EcoPilot, Winterhalter is taking another step towards sustainable and future-proof warewashing technology.