Student creates a burrito-"printing" machine

It’s not exactly a 3D printer, but with some tweaks it probably could be.

When it comes to 3D printing, some of the high-level analysts say it could help to curb the problem of global hunger, but not many of them mean it quite this literally.

Nevertheless, as a sign of what might soon be heading to the exciting world of this nascent technology, an ingenious NYU student has created a contraption that makes a burrito perfectly to the specifications of the user.

By punching in the condiments and amount of toppings you want via an iPhone, the machine will dispense the exact amount of ingredients needed to make your Mexican delicacy to your liking.

It’s being referred to as a burrito-making 3D printer, but it really isn’t a “printer” per se. However, there do exist 3D printers that use food rather than plastic for such creations.

This is the kind of thing that you might actually one day see in a restaurant of some sort. Or perhaps even one day at the local appliance store. Imagine never getting your hands dirty in the kitchen again.

The BurritoB0t’s creator Marko Manriquez was quoted as saying, “I made my little bot as a means of exploring my two passions: Digital fabrications and good food.” He is studying interactive telecommunications in the NYU’s graduate school program.

He plans on putting the contraption up for display throughout New York City this summer. If you happen to be in the area, you should check it out.