Over the past few years, restaurants have been investing in artificial intelligence tech for drive-thrus. They say it will spped up the drive-thru and boost sales. But customers — and workers — may not be thrilled with the technology.
  • VistaEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    I don’t think this AI natural language thing is the best idea for a drive thru. Instead, they should have those touch screen menus, plus a bypass lane for those who placed their order using their mobile app (or if they are picking up a DoorDash/Uber Eats/etc order). So if you see a few people already waiting to use the touchscreen, you can instead pull out your phone, place your order, and drive directly in line for pickup. Hell, they could get rid of the pickup window entirely, just park in a reserved spot, punch in the number of the spot you are in, and then someone (or a robot) brings your food, so you aren’t stuck behind someone who is waiting for their meal when yours is already done since you ordered from home or the road (as a passenger).

    It’s basically what I already do when I walk in, like if there are 20 people in line to place their order at Tim Horton’s, I’ll just grab my phone, place my order via the app and then just go pick it up while most people are still waiting to order.