Voice AI Steals the Spotlight at National Restaurant Association Show
by Nancy Luna | May 22, 2024 | Automation, News
s I wandered through the technology-packed aisles of the National Restaurant Association food show last weekend, one standout star A stole the spotlight among hundreds of vendors: sleek display screens sporting AI-powered voice ordering. Amid rising labor costs and high inflation, there is a clear and increasing demand for technologies that both replace and augment labor while offering seamless convenience for today’s digitally savvy consumer. According to the restaurant association, labor is still a big pain point for restaurant owners. Hudson Riehle, the NRA’s senior vice president of research and knowledge, said that one out of three operators report recruitment and retention as one of their top challenges. As such, more restaurants are turning to AI and robotics to streamline back-of-house operations, as well as reduce labor costs. “The possibilities [for AI] are limitless,” David Henkes, senior principal at market research firm Technomic, said during a show panel titled “What’s Shaping the Future of Foodservice.” Joe Reinstein, executive director of the Digital Restaurant Association, noted that while it’s still “early days” for AI-powered restaurant tech, he acknowledged that such advanced technologies can solve real problems for restaurants.
Henkes said slowing and declining traffic is making it harder than ever for restaurants to earn a profit. But AI can change that by enhancing a restaurant’s effectiveness and efficiency. “We are at the forefront of that in the industry.” Other innovations spotted at the food show featured a semi-autonomous burger grill, a self-driving food delivery robot that can navigate elevators, a “voice-to-voice AI” receptionist, exterior smart food lockers, and two remote cashier solutions for drive-thru restaurants. Here’s a closer look. Givex AI, a Toronto, Ontario-based company best known as a gift card provider for retailers and restaurants, debuted the company’s first iteration of a voice assistant at the restaurant show. Unlike other voice-AI powered products, Givex’s voice AI comes in the form of an animated character called “Parker.” The character takes orders, upsells, and walks the customer through the ordering process. It’s available for taking orders from a kiosk or a drive thru lane. Daniel Hawes, vice president of product design, said Parker will respond to any type of question. For example, in a demo, he told Parker that he was with a friend who had a hangover. “What do you recommend?” Givex AI The kindly bot responded with empathy. “I’m so sorry to hear about your friend,” the bot said. “For a hangover, staying hydrated is the key. I recommend fresh juice, like orange juice.”
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