How AI-Powered Drive-Thru Lanes are Revolutionizing the Fast-Food Industry

The ever-improving technology of AI (artificial intelligence) systems is helping us work faster and more efficiently all the time, and so many more people and restaurant chains are starting to take advantage. One of the most recent applications of AI technology is in the fast-food industry, where AI-powered drive-thru lanes are becoming increasingly popular.

Chick-fil-A is Constructing a Four-Lane Drive-Thru with Capacity for 75 Cars

Chick-fil-A is one of the most popular fast-food chains in the United States, and it is now building a four-lane drive-thru for 75 cars. A fast-food traffic jam – but without the road rage… The drive-thru will be powered by AI technology, which will help to speed up the ordering process and reduce wait times. But don’t worry, it is still a human-assisted system meaning there is a real human working to make sure the AI devices are behaving. No robot rebellions allowed! The AI system will use license plate recognition to personalize the experience for each customer, making it easier and faster to place an order.

View Chick-fil-A’s menu here.

McDonald’s is Developing a New Prototype Restaurant Concept Named “CosMc’s”

McDonald’s is another fast-food chain that is investing heavily in AI technology for its drive-thru lanes. The company has been testing AI-powered ordering systems since 2019, but the technology has not been without its problems. Some customers have complained about the new system, and there have been reports of drive-thru fails. However, McDonald’s is continuing to invest in AI technology, and a new prototype is on the horizon to provide consistent service. Fingers crossed for fewer AI “fry” ups!

View McDonald’s menu here.

White Castle to Expand AI-Enabled Voice Ordering to Over 100 Drive-Thrus

White Castle is another fast-food chain that is embracing AI technology for its drive-thru lanes. The company is partnering with SoundHound’s technology to roll out a digital voice assistant that has an order completion rate of 60 seconds, to over 100 White Castle drive-thrus. This will help to speed up the ordering process and reduce wait times. The AI system will use automated voice ordering, where an AI rather than a person takes your order at the drive-thru. While reactions to AI drive-thrus are still mixed, AI inherently improves as it collects more data.

View White Castle’s menu here.

Benefits of AI-Powered Drive-Thru Lanes

• Faster Service: AI-powered drive-thru lanes can help to speed up the ordering process and reduce wait times with automation and little to no human interaction. This is because the AI system can process orders faster than a human, and it can also personalize the experience for each customer complete end-to-end.
• Increased Efficiency: AI-powered drive-thru lanes can help to increase efficiency in the fast-food industry. By automating the ordering process, fast-food chains can reduce the burden placed on overworked employees and reduce the risk of errors with intelligent automation.
• Upselling: One of the main benefits of using AI in the drive-thru is that it upsells relentlessly, leading customers to spend more, especially with the help of loyalty programs in place. This can help to increase revenue for fast-food chains and improve their bottom line.

AI-powered drive-thru lanes are becoming increasingly popular in the fast-food industry. While reactions to AI drive-thrus are still mixed, the benefits of this technology are clear. AI-powered drive-thru lanes can help to speed up the ordering process, increase efficiency, and upsell relentlessly. As AI technology continues to improve, we can expect to see more fast-food chains investing in this technology in the future.