The rise of AI and chatbots continues.whether it Nightmarish AI-generated content (opens in new tab) Or a bot that does homework (opens in new tab), AI takes root. And it will become even more prevalent in the years to come.
Another task, hitherto exclusively reserved for us unrelated meatbags, is about to take over. Popular fast-food chain Wendy’s is preparing a pilot to replace human order takers at its drive-thru with AI-powered chatbots.
according to wall street journal (opens in new tab) (via tech spot (opens in new tab)), and trials are set to begin in June at one of the company’s stores in Columbus, Ohio. The goal is to make customers believe they are talking to a real employee and not a chatbot. Wendy’s is working on specific initiatives with Google.
Wendy’s Chief Executive Todd Pennegor said the chatbot “will be very conversational. You won’t know who you’re talking to other than your employees.” Penjenner also said the goal is to streamline the ordering process and prevent long lines at drive-thru lanes from alienating customers.
Wendy’s builds its software on Google’s Large Language Model (LLM). It is designed to understand not only the accents, nuances and variations of human speech, but also terms and abbreviations specific to Wendy’s products. The key is to be able to distinguish the customer’s voice from ambient noise, such as a song on the radio or children in the backseat yelling at each other. It is also programmed to upsell customers larger sizes, special offers and frosties.
I wouldn’t worry if I knew my order was being taken by an AI, but if I came home and found pickles in my frosty or sugar in my coffee (and I said) no sugar! ), then consider going to McDonald’s instead. At least the AI’s feelings won’t be hurt.