IKAWA Labs x Bühler

We’ve embarked on an exciting innovation partnership with Bühler Group, who design and manufacture products for the coffee industry.

We’re looking for participants from the coffee community to help us as we explore and test ideas for roasting innovation. If this interests you, please register your interest below!

IKAWA’s user-centred approach to product development partnered with Bühler’s wealth of knowledge in engineering and manufacturing.

Our strategic partnership with Bühler aims to explore the potential for product development between our market-leading Sample Roasters and Bühler’s RoastMaster series.

Bühler’s are perfectly positioned to team up with us to lead innovation in this space and we’re excited to use our expertise to support their product development.

We hope members of the coffee community will be just as excited to get involved with our extensive user research process.

What makes Bühler a great partner?

  • We are impressed by Bühler’s existing technology and see a lot of similarities with the IKAWA Pro Series.

    Designed to be consistent, robust, and flexible - Bühler’s RoastMaster Series (available from 20kg to 240kg) is easy to use, delivers consistent flavour batch-to-batch, and is built to last with minimal maintenance needs.

  • The RoastMaster series is powered by innovative web-based software ‘Bühler Playone’. Create consistent and reproducible roast profiles with:

    • Multi-step roast control with up to 10 roast steps.

    • Variable airflow and temperature.

    • Real-time roast data.

  • With over 100 offices worldwide, as well as Playone’s remote troubleshooting capability, users have peace of mind they’ll be well looked after from installation and throughout the roaster’s lifecycle.

  • Bühler share our commitment to innovation and using technology to provide solutions throughout the value chain of coffee.

    They are well known for innovation in countless industries and we think they are perfectly positioned to team up with us to innovate further in coffee roasting.

  • We’re delighted that Bühler have agreed to create an exclusive offer for our audience on their RoastMaster series. Click below to learn more.

FAQs

What are you planning to make with Bühler?

The first phase of our project is exploring user needs so we’re quite open initially.

We have some ideas about how our technology might be applied but first need a deep understanding of potential users and their desired outcomes.

We look forward to posting regular updates as the collaboration reaches key milestones.

What will the research involve?

Our initial research will involve calls and visits to ask questions, test prototype designs and iterations based on continuous feedback.

We would ideally work with you 2 or 3 times across 3-9 months.

There will also be opportunities to provide feedback in other ways.

Are you looking for a specific kind of person?

The ideal participant has either recently considered and purchased a production-scale roaster or is planning to in the near future.

We are also open to hearing feedback from anyone in the coffee community who believes they have a valuable contribution.

Can I get involved even if I don’t use IKAWA or Bühler roasters?

It may be that specific sessions suit existing users better but yes, we are very interested in hearing from those without experience using our products.

Would you visit me?

If you’ll have us! We are planning to have both in-person and remote sessions with users.

How to get involved

We’re looking for participants from the global coffee community to participate in our research! We would ask for you to tell us about your experience, your approach to roasting, and your business. We may even visit, if you’ll have us.

To register your interest, please sign up below and introduce yourself in our short survey.

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