INTERVIEW WITH HOLGER LEUKART,
MECHATRONICS ENGINEER

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL WORKING DAY LOOK LIKE?
My work is very varied due to the broad scope of responsibilities in the SME and my mechatronics engineering background. Recently, I have been particularly focused on general digitisation and related software development. However, to be able to create an actual end product, the expertise of and cooperation with my colleagues from graphics, design and communication is also often important. Developing new and maintaining existing digitally enhanced kitchen utensils keeps my work interesting. I am involved in the entire product development process: from developing the first prototypes to the rounds of testing and optimisation with accompanying product certification through to the finished product with subsequent production support.

WHAT FASCINATES YOU ABOUT DIGITISATION?
New technologies offer new ways of enriching life and making it easier. Digitisation and the associated technologies have opened incredible opportunities and had a big impact. The latest achievements and advances in the field of blockchain and artificial intelligence, for instance, offer incredible potential. We are in the middle of a very exciting phase that is set to result in many new products and services.

HOW WILL THE KUHN RIKON APP BE FURTHER DEVELOPED?
In addition to new recipes, we are also adding more helpful features to the app, such as, most recently, nutritional value information. Feedback from our customers is a further important source of information to help us further improve the app and enrich everyday life in the kitchen.
 

HOW OFTEN DO YOU TRY OUT NEW RECIPES?
We recently added sustainable recipes to our app, so I have been busy trying these out and treating my colleagues. For example, at our in-house Snow Weekend not so long ago, we made chili sin carne together, which even the die-hard carnivores couldn’t resist ;-)
 

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME?
To make up for the negative physical effects of my office-based job, I try to stay active in my free time with sports such as climbing, mountain biking, jogging, swimming, kiting, skiing and snowboarding.