Multiple fast food chains are testing artificial intelligence to take drive-thru orders
Days after Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. announced some of their restaurants
will begin using artificial intelligence to take drive-thru orders, Wendy’s
said it will also pilot AI systems.
Wendy’s will use Google Cloud’s AI technology at a company-operated
restaurant near its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, starting in June. The
restaurant chain will use what it learns during the pilot program to expand to
more drive-thrus nationwide.
The technology can understand order requests and can answer frequently
asked questions. Wendy’s noted that there are billions of possible order
combinations available on the Wendy’s menu, but the technology will still allow
customers to fully customize their meals.
Like Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr., Wendy’s says AI will free up employees to
provide faster, more efficient service.
Thomas Kurian, CEO at Google Cloud said "Generative AI is changing
how people interact with brands, and Wendy's integration of Google Cloud's
generative AI technology will set a new standard for great drive-thru
experiences for the quick-service industry."
According to the
Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are nearly 3.1 million
Americans who work in the fast food industry. The median pay for fast food and
counter workers in 2022 was $13.43 an hour, which is about $20 below what the
median hourly wage is for the general population.
From Scripps News (edited)
