A BRADFORD-born inventor and a fellow engineering graduate have created ‘the world’s smartest kettle’.

Robert Hill got the idea for the Appkettle while visiting family in Bradford and discussed the possibility for a device which could be controlled remotely using a smartphone app.

He and Richard Hill, who has lived in Bingley for five years, joined forces to create the advanced smart kettle and have patented the groundbreaking system that enables the kettle to be connected to multiple users anywhere in the home or office through wi-fi.

The Appkettle is controlled via a ‘live’ Smartphone app, with variable temperature control, smart scheduling, timing and keep warm features for and also reduces energy usage. The technology also includes industry-first me-sensing features to measure the amount of liquid in the kettle.

It also includes a ‘baby bottle’ feature enabling parents to use the app for checking the water level, boil and then set a cool-down temperature suitable for baby milk.

Robert Hill and Richard Hill, who met whilst studying engineering at Loughborough University in 2006, will showcase the new technology at the Venturefest innovation exhibition in York on March 12 where they will feature in the Fab Lab section.

Over the past decade, the two inventors have both achieved national and regional accreditation for their work within engineering. They have since developed an understanding of the benefits of integrating simple and intuitive technology within modern digital appliances for everyday users.

Robert Hill said: “As interconnectivity continues to shape modern society, our key aim is to develop simple, intuitive technologies within a modern digital appliance, to improve its use, how we can all interact with it and to remove any unknowns associated with controlling it remotely.

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“Appkettle successfully combines these benefits to enable users with the free app, to connect, see and control their Appkettle, together. This provides a smart beverage making experience. Looking ahead, we have plans to develop further new products that are simple to use and connect with other products in the smart home.”

Prototype investment for the Appkettle was provided by backers in the North East, where Robert Hill is now based, along with expertise from Otter Controls, a leading supplier of controls for the small appliances industry.

Appkettle will be developed onto Apple’s smart home platform Homekit, as well as being developed for Android devices.

The pair are using Kickstarter, to launch the Appkettle, this month. It will be for sale through major retailers and online this year, and will retail around £120.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: