Tech Byte: AI can now take orders at the drive-thru

Isn’t it frustrating when you get the wrong order at the drive-thru? A lot of fast food restaurants want to make that a thing of the past, and they’re using technology to do it. In today’s Tech Byte, you’ll get a look at how fast food chains are using AI to improve the drive-thru experience.

CKE Restaurant Holding says that some of its Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s fast food have teamed up with OpenCity to launch an AI voice ordering platform called Tori. She’s making the drive-thru more efficient, speeding up orders with improved accuracy. But Tori doesn’t just take orders. She’s also great at upselling, providing customers with personalized recommendations. Tori is also being used to deal with the worker shortage, increasing revenue for the restaurant. Because she’s an AI, Tori is available around the clock. She doesn’t show up late or get sick.

So, how do customers feel about Tori? She’s received a warm welcome so far. Customers say she’s fast, efficient, and accurate. Tori is also popular on social media, bringing in 2 million views for Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. Employees are pleased too. Carl’s Jr. Regional Manager, Raj Patel summed it up best, saying, “Everything just runs better using Tori.”

Tori’s debut at Carl’s Jr. and Hardees is just the beginning. More fast food restaurants are likely to hop in the AI trend in the future. It could be coming to a drive-thru near you.