Taco Bell Expands AI Voice Ordering at Drive-Thrus Nationwide

Taco Bell is expanding AI-powered ordering voice ordering technology at drive-thrus across the country.

The fast food franchise already uses Voice AI technologies in more than 100 Taco Bells across the U.S. Parent company Yum! Brands announced this week that the number is set to grow.

The AI system, which has been tested for more than two years, aims to ease workloads for team members, enabling them to focus on reducing wait times and improving order accuracy.

“We’re expanding and accelerating our AI capabilities to deliver leading-edge technologies to our franchisees and to enhance the consumer and team member experience,” said Lawrence Kim, Yum! Brands' chief innovation officer. 

Taco Bell franchisees had a say in Voice AI’s design as Yum! Brands sought to make the system work for both team members and customers. 

The AI connects to Yum! Brands’ proprietary Poseidon point of sale (POS) system and digital menu boards, allowing for seamless ordering experiences.

Along with Taco Bell, Yum! Brands reported a positive response to the Voice AI systems implemented at KFC restaurants in Australia, from customers and staff.

To build out its digital and AI offerings, Yum! Brands has been actively creating technologies and working with partners to accelerate improved ordering experiences.

Related:AI-Powered System Handles Restaurant Phone Orders With Customizable Tech

“Innovation is ingrained in our DNA at Taco Bell and we view Voice AI as a means to improve the team member and consumer experiences,” said Dane Mathews, Taco Bell’s chief digital and technology officer. “Tapping into AI gives us the ability to ease team members’ workloads, freeing them to focus on front-of-house hospitality. It also enables us to unlock new and meaningful ways to engage with our customers.”

The expansion follows McDonald's recent announcement that it's scaling back its AI voice ordering system, dropping technology from IBM and seeking a new partner.

This story first appeared in IoT World Today's sister publication AI Business.