Are you familiar with the story of Robert Wang from Ottawa? He is the inventor of the “Instant Pot,” a brand that has made multi-functional pressure cookers a household staple. Where these devices were once rare, the brand’s popularity has since soared. Ottawa Future explores the significant contributions Robert Wang has made to the culinary world.
Who is the Inventor?
Robert Wang is a fascinating figure. Born in Shanghai, he grew up during China’s Cultural Revolution. His engineer parents were sent to different parts of the country, leaving Robert to live with his mother. He would see his father only once a week until he turned nine.
Wang worked diligently at school but struggled to find his passion. That changed in 1977 with the gift of a Casio calculator, which his uncle sent along with math, chemistry, and physics books. Inspired, he decided to pursue computer science. By 1986, he was studying math and computer science at the University of Essex.
In 1994, Robert Wang immigrated to Canada.
Working in Ottawa
Robert Wang worked in the fields of artificial intelligence and mobile internet. He previously led a team at “Nortel,” where he began working in January 1995. This experience provided him with valuable insights into commercial value, sustainability, and cost.
His invention was groundbreaking, addressing a simple yet universal question:
“How can we quickly cook delicious meals?”
For Wang and his wife Tracy (a systems designer at Nortel), this was a pressing need, as they had two children and found it challenging to make tasty, healthy meals quickly. Wang’s solution ultimately benefited countless families.
The multi-functional pressure cooker has held the top spot on Amazon’s most popular items list for several years. The company is headquartered in Kanata, with four manufacturing facilities in China.
In 2019, during Amazon Prime Day sales, more than 300,000 devices were sold in just 36 hours, as reported on the company’s official website.
The Impact of the Instant Pot on the Culinary Industry
The company’s products have undoubtedly influenced the culinary industry, with multi-functional pressure cookers sparking:
- the creation of over 2,000 cookbooks—some of which are in Wang’s office;
- growth in food blogging;
- production of accessories like spatulas, steamers, and egg racks.
The brand’s Facebook page boasts over 1.6 million followers, where owners of Instant Pot devices can explore unique recipes and cooking tips, further encouraging culinary experimentation.
By 2019, Wang, then 54, laughed as he recalled prematurely claiming that the Instant Pot belonged in every kitchen. While it sounded humorous at the time, sales numbers and today’s demand prove that anything is possible.
Brand Development: Expanding Beyond Pressure Cookers
This Ottawa inventor doesn’t intend to stop with just one popular device. Wang states this is only the beginning. The company has since released a blender and, more recently, a toaster. What sets these products apart? Wang’s vision is to transform small kitchen appliances, confident he knows the winning formula.
The atmosphere in his offices is wonderful, filled with the aroma of cooking. Every new device is tested in their kitchen, and the process is shrouded in secrecy, with no details leaving the office walls.
The number of employees in Ottawa has long surpassed 90, with successful offices now open in Vancouver, Toronto, Utah, and London.