Starbucks explores AI-assisted drive-thru ordering

Business · First reported 2 Nov, 18:46 · Updated 19:04

Image: Wikimedia Commons · Rekia1991 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Starbucks plans to test AI tools to help enter drive-thru orders and is exploring app-based ways to recognize participating customers and offer personalized menus. The company has not specified how customers would be identified or where tests will take place.

Starbucks says it will test background AI models during fiscal 2027 to help baristas enter drive-thru orders more accurately and efficiently.
CEO Brian Niccol described a possible app-linked experience that could recognize participating customers, show past orders and make payment easier; Starbucks has not publicly detailed the identification method.
The company says the technology is intended to speed service while preserving barista-customer interaction; reporting also notes questions about privacy, reliability and possible effects on workers.

Summary written by Lux AI from 2 articles

Key facts

Drive-thru share: Niccol said roughly half of Starbucks customers use the drive-thru.
Planned AI test: Starbucks expects to test background AI models during fiscal 2027.
Test locations: Starbucks has not specified where testing will take place.
Customer identification: The company has not publicly said how customers would be identified for a possible personalized drive-thru experience.