Lates News

Starbucks (SBUX.O) is exploring bringing AI technology into its drive-thru ordering service, preparing to test AI models running in the background to help baristas "enter orders more accurately and efficiently while interacting with customers." CEO Brian Niccol said on a conference call Thursday that the company wants employees to improve service speed while focusing more on communicating with customers. Starbucks is also exploring technology that can identify customers upon arrival, in order to display personalized digital menus and simplify the payment process. For years, large restaurant chains have been testing AI technology for drive-thrus, but such technology has not yet been adopted on a large scale across the industry. Burger King currently has no plans to promote its pilot AI ordering system more widely, saying customers prefer interacting with real people. McDonald's is also testing its own AI ordering system, saying the technology is expected to save each restaurant dozens of labor hours per week so employees can devote time to other tasks.