Starbucks is studying the introduction of artificial intelligence technology into drive-through ordering services and is preparing to test AI models that run in the background to help baristas “enter orders more accurately and efficiently when interacting with customers.” CEO Brian Niccol said in a conference call on Thursday that the company wants employees to focus more on communicating with customers while improving service speed. Starbucks is also exploring technology that can identify customers when they arrive to present personalized digital menus and streamline payment processes. For many years, large restaurant chains have been testing AI technology for drive-thru, but such technology has yet to be applied on a large scale across the industry. Burger King currently has no plans to more widely promote the AI ordering system currently being piloted, and said that customers prefer to communicate with real people. McDonald's is also testing its AI ordering system, saying the technology is expected to save each restaurant dozens of working hours a week so that employees can use their time for other tasks.

Starbucks is studying the introduction of artificial intelligence technology into drive-through ordering services and is preparing to test AI models that run in the background to help baristas “enter orders more accurately and efficiently when interacting with customers.” CEO Brian Niccol said in a conference call on Thursday that the company wants employees to focus more on communicating with customers while improving service speed. Starbucks is also exploring technology that can identify customers when they arrive to present personalized digital menus and streamline payment processes. For many years, large restaurant chains have been testing AI technology for drive-thru, but such technology has yet to be applied on a large scale across the industry. Burger King currently has no plans to more widely promote the AI ordering system currently being piloted, and said that customers prefer to communicate with real people. McDonald's is also testing its AI ordering system, saying the technology is expected to save each restaurant dozens of working hours a week so that employees can use their time for other tasks.