Samples arrived!
over 6 years ago
– Thu, Oct 03, 2019 at 12:44:09 AM
This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.
Yomee is revolutionizing homemade yogurt: With its Keurig-like design, just add milk and a Yomee pod to enjoy fresh, healthy yogurt. Making yogurt with Yomee is simple - add your choice of milk & yomee pod before you goto sleep, 2 servings fresh & chilled yogurt is ready for breakfast or take away to eat later.
This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.
We sent the latest prototype to contract manufacturer(s) last month for tooling quote. They have several feedback to reduce the tooling (mould) complexity of several parts, mainly
1. Metal Cup - They recommend to reduce the curve on the cup to make it easier to tool.
2. Outside Cover - They recommend to break the outside part into 2 or 3 pieces for easier assembly.
3. Material Change - They recommend to change some parts from plastic to metal and vice versa.
4. Cable Management - They recommend to club cables together for easier assembly.
5. Dispenser - They recommend to change the gasket material for better heat insulation.
6. Components - Some components have long lead time, they recommended shorter lead time components that we are testing.
We made those engineering changes as per their recommendation, another prototype with these changes is in making.
They are positive about finishing first production run by Christmas, we will start shipping as and when units are delivered in Hong Kong.
We will send next update in October once we have the samples from tooling.
Dear Backers,
1. Finalised Heating and Cooling
We have been testing our heating and cooling previously, but this is the first time we test with all parts assembled, and they still manage to achieve ideal heating and cooling temperatures. It is optimistic to say that our heating and cooling features are all set by now.
Below is the graph of Yomee's heating cycle, indicating the top and bottom temperatures of the cup throughout the yogurt making period.
The below video shows the changes in temperature when making yogurt in Yomee:
2. Factories Feedbacks
The factory gets back to us with a reasonable quote and productive suggestions. We are advised to replace some of the metal components with plastic, the metal of the outside in particular. Hence, we have to look for another vendor and adopt new production methods to achieve this. The good news is all the major components of Yomee are finalised and are ready to be assembled.
3. Automatic Dispensing Firmware Ready
After contributing hard work and testings, Yomee's firmware is complete. Below is a demonstration video of how it works:
4. Golden Prototype in Production
Based on the DFM design, the factory is now preparing a golden prototype which will be used for production later.
Finally, here is an updated video of delicious yogurt made from Yomee.
Thanks,
The Yomee Team
Dear Backers,
We have some mixed news in this update. The latest prototype brings the not so good news. The pod-dispenser did not perform well in our testing and we have to refine the design again. The other outstanding part, the stirrer, worked well but the operating noise is above home appliance guidelines. We have to redesign these parts again. The good news is that the firmware is working well and the prototype makes very good yogurt, with no intervention. Making yogurt is a complicated process and we're happy with the progress but we are likely to see a further slip in shipping timelines. With that said, please read on about updates from the product team.
Week 1 - Stabilized Twisting Movement
We are able to make the twisting process much smoother by strengthening Yomee's back with more ribs.
Week 2 - Improved Stirring
The stirring speed is enhanced to 50RPM now by adding more magnets into the gear, in order to enhance Yomee's heating and cooling efficiency and effectiveness.
Week 3 - Reduced Height
Since we can now shorten the pod dispenser, the overall height of Yomee is also reduced which makes it easier to be placed in your kitchen or office.
Week 4 - Brand New Prototype
An updated prototype will arrive next week.
Below is a rendered view of the latest prototype and magnetic stirrer.
Manufacturing & Shipping Update
A request for proposal (RFP) was made to solicit quotations from manufacturing facilities. We are working with manufacturers to bring the cost down to our expectations.
Lastly, after a thorough discussion with the factory, shipping is expected to begin in Q4 2019.
Thanks,
The Yomee Team
Dear Backers,
Week 1 - Yomee Pods Sourcing
Our team visited our sourcing partners. The main purpose was to finalize the ingredient list, packaging, capacity and supply chain logistics for the Yomee pods. We're glad to announce that we have an agreement with a world-class manufacturer of yogurt cultures. They have decades of experience in yogurt and cheese making and we will manufacture in a state-of-the-art FDA approved facility.
Week 2 - Yomee Pods Testing
Since agreeing on the ingredient list, we created pod samples and tested them on the engineering prototypes. The outcome was very good and we tasted lost of perfectly set, firm, mildly tart, fluffy chilled yogurt. The testing brought out some feedback on the sensors and firmware and the engineering team is fine tuning those programs.
Week 3 - Firmware & App Development
We have engaged an independent vendor to further develop the firmware and the interactions with the Yomee mobile applications. You can already find the placeholder Yomee apps in the Google Android and Apple AppStore. These will be automatically updated when we start shipping your units.
Week 4 - Chinese New Year Holiday & Shipping Timeline
Kung Hei Fat Choy! Happy New Year of Pig! We wish every one a fruitful and successful new year!
Chinese factories were closed last week due to Chinese New Year holiday. Therefore, we will have another update in 2 weeks to detail the shipping timeline instead.
Thanks,
The Yomee Team