Putting the AI in Chai: India’s first cooking robot sees 243% sales boost after TV debut

Upliance.ai has launched India’s first AI-powered smart cooking assistant, a robotic appliance that can chop, stir, knead, blend, and heat ingredients with minimal human intervention. The device, which sells for approximately $319, gained significant traction after appearing on Shark Tank India in 2024, leading to a 243% increase in sales for the Mumbai-based startup.

How it works: The Upliance device combines a robotic cooking pot with AI-powered software to automate nearly the entire cooking process.

• The system includes a tablet with over 500 recipes and customization options, along with kitchen tools like measuring spoons, a spatula, and a scale for ingredient preparation.
• Users simply place ingredients into the pot, and the device handles chopping, stirring, kneading, or blending before heating food to the appropriate temperature.
• While some initial chopping may be required, the appliance requires very little human effort beyond ingredient placement.

The backstory: Founders Mahek Mody and Mohit Sharma, both IIT Bombay alumni, launched the company in 2021 after learning to cook at home during the pandemic.

• The product was officially released in 2023 but remained relatively under the radar until its Shark Tank India appearance.
• The startup now sells the device on Amazon India for nearly 28,000 rupees (roughly $319).

Why this matters: The success of Upliance.ai reflects India’s growing appetite for smart home technology and AI-powered kitchen solutions, particularly as urban households seek ways to simplify meal preparation. The dramatic sales boost following mainstream media exposure demonstrates how traditional marketing platforms can still drive adoption for innovative tech products in emerging markets.