Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a technology that simulates human intelligence using machines. This technology has spread across various sectors and industries, including the fast-food industry. Large and established fast-food chains like Domino’s and McDonald’s have been investing and experimenting with AI for quite some time now. This speeds up their processes—from preparing food to improving the experience of ordering and getting it delivered. Keep scrolling to know how these popular fast-food chains are using AI to deliver your food in the fastest way possible and even reduce food waste.
Here are 5 major fast-food chains and how they are using artificial intelligence (AI):
1. Dominoes
Domino’s has been using artificial intelligence since at least 2014, when it launched a voice assistant called Dom that can interact with customers through the Domino’s app to take their orders. He understands the nuances between sauces such as “Robust Inspired Tomato Sauce” vs. “Barbecue Sauce” and whether you want “Hand-Tossed” or “Gluten-Free Crust,” among other options.
Recently, Domino’s “next generation” stores have been using technology that helps employees start making pizzas even before customers finish their orders. According to a report from Quartz, CEO Russell Weiner told investors, “If you’re making pizzas before people finish their orders and you’re dispatching them in a way that your driver doesn’t have to come back to the store and find a parking space, that helps.”
Also read: New AI system can track ‘what you eat’ to calculate your calorie consumption
2. McDonald’s
McDonald’s has implemented touch-screen ordering kiosks in many of its restaurants, reducing wait times.
McDonald’s is exploring AI applications for automated drive-thrus. According to McDonald’s, it’s “voice-based” [platform] for complex, multilingual, multi-accent and multi-item conversational ordering.” However, in a recent update this month, McDonald’s confirmed that it was removing AI-powered ordering technology from its drive-thru restaurants in the US after hilarious mishaps from the AI-ordering system went viral, from bacon-topped ice cream to hundreds of dollars worth of chicken nuggets, BBC reported.
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3. Taco Bell and KFC
Taco Bell and KFC, both under the Yum brand, are also adopting AI to help with their inventory. According to Restaurant Business Magazine, they have added a system called “recommended ordering” that estimates and suggests how much product should be ordered each week to meet their projected orders. This helps reduce food waste and lower food costs. Better demand forecasting also helps avoid last-minute food shortages.
KFC and Taco Bell are also moving toward AI in drive-thrus. AI systems can make menu recommendations based on previous orders or the time of day, improving sales.
Also read: KFC and Taco Bell will use ‘artificial intelligence’ to prepare food
4. Popeyes
Popeyes is another popular fast-food chain that is adopting AI for its drive-thru. Earlier this month, Popeyes announced that it will use AI to take drive-thru orders across its UK estate. According to a report by The Grocer, customers will use the voice-activated AI assistant ‘AL’ to place their order at the drive-thru window.
The assistant takes orders in a “natural, conversational way,” as well as a digital display where customers can check if their order has been properly understood. ‘AL’ is also equipped to answer questions on allergies, available promotions and item ingredients. A Popeyes spokesperson said the new function will “free up the team,” allowing them to “focus on other parts of the job, such as customer service.”
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