Starbucks wants to use AI to show you a ‘personalized digital menu’ at the drive-thru
Starbucks could eventually show you a personalized digital menu when you pull up to the drive-thru. During an earnings call on Thursday, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol said the company is going to explore "experiences that recognize participating customers as they arrive, present personalized digital menus, and make payment more effortless," as spotted earlier by More Perfect Union. It sounds similar to the technology that Taco Bell is experimenting with, which could change the lay
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Starbucks is planning to use AI technology at drive-thru locations to recognize customers as they arrive and display personalized digital menus tailored to each person, along with simplified payment options. The company will begin testing background AI models in 2027 to help baristas input orders more accurately and efficiently, and also plans to integrate AI into its app's search and discovery features while potentially allowing conversational ordering in the future. This approach is similar to technology being tested by other major fast food chains, which use AI to customize menu boards and identify repeat customers. Starbucks has already begun experimenting with AI ordering through ChatGPT and an AI tool called Green Dot Assist for employees.
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Also reported by The Verge
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