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The Golden Arches ‘Golden Idea’ may have lost it’s shine! According to Restaurant Business, 🚗🍔 McDonald’s is pressing pause on its two-year drive-thru, automated order-taking (AOT) test with IBM, deciding to remove the tech from over 100 restaurants. But this isn't the end of drive-thru AI! Here's why: 🔄 McDonald’s is exploring new voice ordering solutions after wrapping up the IBM trial by July 26, 2024. 🤖 Despite this pause, McDonald’s remains confident in the potential of voice-activated AI to enhance service speed and operations. Other chains like Checkers, Hardee’s, and Wendy’s are already diving into drive-thru AI. 🗣️ Have you adopted AI technology within your business? Read the full article here: https://buff.ly/45pQYma Comment below on how it’s working out. #McDonalds #DriveThruAI #TechInnovation #FastFood #Automation #VoiceAI #RestaurantTech #CustomerService #FutureOfFood #AI #FoodIndustry #IBM #FastCasual #InnovationInDining

Beyond the Bacon-topped ice cream and accidental orders of hundreds of chicken nuggets - it's good to see the first early wave of AI pilots and experiments coming to an end. The next stage in the cycle is delivering tangible outcomes that get customer's jobs done to build long-term customer value. We can do so much more than better chat-bots. #innovation #personalAI #zeroshareddata #zeropartydata #imlovinit #customerempowerment #martech McDonald's https://lnkd.in/eHcTQ3Xj

A couple months old, but a great article covering our CEO, Aman Narang, discussing the future of AI in the restaurant space. Before the pandemic, technology adoption in the restaurant industry was relatively gradual, with many establishments cautiously integrating new innovations like online ordering and basic point of sale systems. The pandemic, however, acted as a catalyst for rapid technological adoption. As restaurants faced unprecedented challenges, there was an accelerated shift towards digital solutions to meet evolving consumer expectations and operational needs. This shift, along with increased competition, rising costs, and many other factors, has further driven the need for automation, data driven insights, and the consolidation of technology. AI has already been introduced into the Toast platform via benchmarking, automated marketing, employee scheduling, customer support, and much more. Things are moving quickly now, and it's going to be incredible to see new use cases for AI, the applications we build, and how it will impact our local industry, and how we, as guests, interact with our local restaurants. #AI #Toast #ToastTab #KCEats #RestaurantTech #Fintech #Eatlocal #ToastKC https://lnkd.in/g_hA8MZN

Dynamic pricing, also known as supply and demand-driven real-time pricing, is spreading across different verticals, including restaurants and fast food, beyond the already-popular ones like transportation and travel. It's fascinating to see how AI is facilitating business and consumer transactions in all industries. #supplyanddemand #realtime #data #dynamicpricing Link: https://lnkd.in/efRTqWdS

Gad Allon has just dropped a fresh newsletter on... dynamic pricing. "People hate variable prices and they hate surge prices. People also hate time-varying prices. They even hate discounts (primarily if they just bought the product before it was discounted)." I recommend reading and subscribing to it. ->> https://lnkd.in/d9FtDkCs And I keep insisting the industry should adopt the term Fair Pricing instead of Dynamic, Variable, or Surge. #dynamicpricing #wendys

AI is reshaping the restaurant industry, from efficient order management to automated takeout operations! 🍽️ From efficient order management to automated takeout operations, it's making waves. Even budget-friendly restaurants can now leverage AI tech that was once exclusive to big brands. To discover 5 AI predictions for 2024, and explore some of the pitfalls as well, take a look at this article: https://lnkd.in/gmWRuigC

In a notable decision reflecting evolving technology and consumer preferences, McDonald's has chosen to phase out its AI-driven customer service solutions. This strategic move not only highlights current shifts in operational strategies but also prompts discussions on the role of AI in food formulation. As the industry navigates these changes, it's crucial to consider how AI continues to revolutionize food development processes, from optimizing recipes to enhancing nutritional profiles. McDonald's decision invites us to reflect on the future of AI's integration in food innovation and its impact on consumer expectations. https://lnkd.in/gj8k8GQq

🌮 Taco Bell's AI revolution: Hundreds of drive-thrus to go digital by year-end!   💡 Yum! Brands' move highlights key F&B industry trends: - AI adoption at scale: 100+ locations now, hundreds more planned – rapid expansion shows tech confidence - Operational efficiency: Better accuracy, faster service, reduced workload – QSR performance trifecta - Global ambitions: KFC Australia testing; Yum Brands eyes worldwide rollout   🔍 Some considerations for the #QSR industry: - Labor dynamics: How will AI integration impact workforce needs and skills? - Customer experience: Will diners embrace or resist AI interactions? - Competitive advantage: Could early adoption create a significant edge in the fast-food wars?   📩 Is your team up against new challenges when it comes to digital transformation? Would love to hear about them! Let's discuss how Baringa can help you navigate the exciting intersection of technology and consumer products. 🔗 Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/dwwAURKB   #FoodIndustryTrends #RestaurantTech #AIinQSR #DigitalTransformation #RetailInnovation Jeffrey Hartigan Danny Lin Nick Franz Patrick Winters Maureen Bossi Tyler Schmitz Dhanush Gummalla

🍔🤖 𝐌𝐜𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝'𝐬 𝐀𝐈 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞-𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐮: 𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭? 😂 Big news in the fast food world: McDonald’s is saying goodbye to its AI drive-through ordering system after a series of hilarious mishaps that had us scratching our heads. Who knew AI could have a unique take on "Would you like fries with that?" From handing out a handful of butter instead of a burger to serving up hundreds of chicken nuggets when you only wanted a few, it seems our AI friends were a bit too creative with the menu. The result? A viral sensation of the most absurd fast food orders you've ever seen! While the AI was meant to make ordering faster, it turned drive-throughs into a comedy show. McDonald’s, always a good sport, decided to switch back to human employees—who presumably know that bacon doesn't belong in ice cream. For now, they're putting the tech on pause to rethink the future of robotic order-taking. Let's give a round of applause for the humans taking back the reins and maybe a moment of silence for the AI that just wanted to spice up our meals (literally). McDonald's may revisit AI, but until then, you won't have to worry about replacing your Big Mac with a big stick of butter. Stay tuned for more updates as we see if AI can eventually learn the art of the perfect fast food order. With a bit of tweaking, who knows, it might just become the next big thing in the fast food world. Until then, drive safe and order safe! https://lnkd.in/g9Dri6Wh

#AI can drive innovation! AI can potentially also revolutionize fast-food drive-thru ordering.🤖🍔 Or can it? 🧐 McDonald's's recent venture into AI-driven drive-thru ordering showcased both promise and pitfalls. With an 85% success rate, the technology shines bright. However, the remaining 15% of errors highlight the critical need for continuous refinement and the importance of human oversight. The fast food giant, which had been testing voice-automated ordering systems at about 100 restaurant drive-throughs since 2021 has now taken the decision to remove it all together! The systems’ miscalculations have led to some highly amusing viral videos with absurdly incorrect orders—like a handful of butter, hundreds of chicken nuggets, and ice cream loaded with bacon.🥓🍦🧈 This should serve as a powerful lesson for all businesses integrating AI into customer interactions. Thorough testing, ongoing improvements, and strategies for handling glitches are essential. Embracing AI is a marathon, not a sprint! #Innovation #CustomerExperience #TechTrends #FastFood