“Would you like a Choco Swirl Ice Cream to go with it?” As technology enhances various buyer journeys, several restaurants are adopting AI to serve their customers. More and more customers prefer using AI assistant software while placing their orders. For instance, 75 to 80 percent of Wendy’s customers would rather use drive-thru AI than a human taking their orders. They prefer getting their order placed faster than chit-chatting at the drive-thru.

So, what can the drive-thru AI technology do for your restaurant? This blog will help you discover the perks of leveraging this technology.

What is drive-thru AI technology all about?

Drive-thru AI technologies leverage artificial intelligence to optimize the ordering procedure at drive-thru lanes. Their primary goal is to enhance accuracy, speed, and efficiency while easing the burden on employees. 

Among the prevalent drive-thru AI technologies, voice recognition systems stand out. These sophisticated systems employ advanced algorithms to precisely recognize and handle customer orders, even in noisy surroundings. Some voice recognition systems can even identify regional accents and dialects, ensuring precise order processing regardless of the customer’s ethnic background.

At VOICEplug, we have a specially designed advanced hardware device. It is easy to install, comes with reliable tech support, and performs with efficient speed and accuracy for any drive-thru restaurant.

We call it the VOICEpod, designed to connect with the audio signals from the drive-thru equipment. It integrates with the HME station that detects a vehicle’s movement while it enters the drive-thru. This enables the VOICEpod to receive the customer’s voice instructions and input, effectively, to manage a conversation. This process helps transmit the voice AI response to the speaker box.

It can take extensive training for employees to perform efficient customer management while taking orders at the drive-thru. This will also include training any new employees on an ongoing basis, which means investing huge sums of time and money. With the drive-thru AI technology, you can save on these investments. Therefore, let’s explore the six reasons why drive-thru technology is good for business.

Six reasons why drive-thru AI Technology is good for restaurants

Implementing AI technology in the drive-thru offers various advantages, resulting from partnerships between technology companies and restaurant brands:

1. Quick and Timely Customer Service: AI is particularly vital for large chains, where maintaining consistency is challenging due to labor shortages and high employee turnover. Even small efficiency gains, such as reducing wait times by a few seconds, can accumulate to create a noticeably improved experience.
2. Reduced Labor Costs: AI-driven automation lowers labor costs for drive-thru businesses. By handling customer transactions and payments, AI allows human employees to focus on other important tasks, enhancing overall efficiency and reducing the need for a large workforce.
3. Opportunity for Upselling: AI can be programmed to upsell to customers effectively, potentially outperforming human employees in this regard. This capability can boost revenue by increasing the frequency of upselling opportunities.
4. Menus are Personalized: AI learns individual customer preferences, enabling fast food restaurant drive-thrus to customize menus based on specific criteria such as location, time of day, weather conditions, and past orders.
5. Orders Taken in Multiple Languages: AI speech recognition allows drive-thrus to accommodate customers speaking different languages, ensuring accurate orders and a more inclusive experience.
6. Managing Various Orders Simultaneously: AI can efficiently handle multiple orders at the same time, reducing wait times for customers in line and contributing to overall customer satisfaction.

In a rapidly evolving world, where technology is reshaping the way we experience the everyday, it’s no surprise that restaurants are turning to AI to revolutionize customer service. Drive-thru AI technology, with its capacity to enhance accuracy, speed, and efficiency while alleviating the demands on restaurant staff, presents an array of advantages for the industry.

From quicker and more consistent customer service to substantial reductions in labor costs, AI technology is proving indispensable. Its ability to upsell effectively, personalize menus, accommodate diverse languages, and manage multiple orders concurrently further amplifies its value.

The application of AI-driven automatic speech recognition promises an evolution in restaurant operations, enhancing customer satisfaction and revenue growth. If you’re ready to integrate AI-powered ordering into your services, we invite you to request a demo with VOICEplug AI today. Embrace the future of dining with AI, and watch your restaurant flourish in a world where technology and convenience go hand in hand.