Wendy’s is introducing an AI-driven chatbot to automate its drive-thru service. Trained on Google’s natural-language software, the chatbot can understand customer orders, aiming to enhance efficiency and service.
Next month, Wendy’s will launch a pilot program for its AI-powered chatbot at a restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. The company aims to simplify the ordering process and reduce long drive-thru lines. With this move, Wendys can provide a better experience for customers. Wendy’s CEO, Todd Penegor, expressed confidence in telling The Wall Street Journal that the chatbot’s ability to engage in conversations is indistinguishable from interactions with human employees. Implementing this technology marks an exciting step towards improved customer service in the fast-food industry.
“It will be very conversational,” the CEO said, “You won’t know you’re talking to anybody but an employee,” he added.
Wendy’s software engineers collaborated with Google to develop a sophisticated AI application. They built the application on top of Google’s advanced language model, which recognises and mimics human speech patterns in different dialects and accents.
AI vs Workforce
With the growing traction and interest brought by AI, the workforce is now threatened in its position in the labor sector. Wendy’s is one of the companies that explored Ai and used it to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs. Growing concern about AI replacing human jobs is just around the corner. And many feared that AI would disrupt the basic societal function.