Does the term “artificial intelligence” make you uncomfortable? It would not be unusual, and if we relate it to gastronomy surely more …
Across all genres, from science fiction to comedy, authors and filmmakers have featured variations on this theme: Creators, humans, deliver artificial intelligence (AI) to machines.
Then those machines use that intelligence to surpass their creators, enslaving them or something equally evil. This medium speaks of an uncomfortable relationship we have with machines: we do not always understand their capabilities. While it’s scary (or fun) to imagine, the realities of AI are much less grim.
Chances are, you already see AI in your daily life, especially when shopping, dining, or looking for entertainment. Read on to learn more about AI in restaurants, among other industries, and how it is projected to grow.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial intelligence refers to programs that are designed to perform a particular task by responding to specific environments or inputs. Because artificial intelligence programs can change depending on their context, they tend to mimic human behavior.
If you’ve ever played a video game, you’ve seen artificial intelligence. Game characters, or an opposing sports team, will interact with you, talk, or even attack, depending on what you do. They have been programmed to do so.
As video game technology improves, these characters have become more realistic. However, what makes artificial intelligence different from real human intelligence is that AI is purely reactive; It can only respond to established protocols.
While humans draw on the breadth of their own life experiences and knowledge to learn and solve problems, making decisions along the way, programmers create AI with specific parameters in mind.
In other words, those zombies in your video game only exist in that video game. They are not able to think for themselves. Therefore, unless strange accidents occur, the robot is unlikely to take over.
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Another important part of AI is machine learning. This specific subset of AI involves a program or machine that “learns” specific functions over time by analyzing data and inputs.
They may have had a buying or streaming service that makes “suggestions” to you. These suggestions come to him through algorithms that analyze his activity to “learn” about you, personalizing the experience according to his behavior.
It is dynamic and operates on its own. As you use the site more, that algorithm continues to “learn” your behavior, further refining your suggestions. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are not mutually exclusive: machine learning is part of artificial intelligence.
Types of Artificial Intelligence
Robots – Dispelling the Myth
Robots and their invasion of the workforce cause fear in many. It’s no secret that technology and automation can make some jobs irrelevant.
A recent MIT survey collected data from experts on the subject to suggest that the technology could supplant from a few million to more than a billion US jobs by 2021.
However, we have seen some restaurants employing AI robots with varying degrees of success. The Caliburger restaurant in Pasadena recently introduced Flippy, a robot that can supposedly make more than 300 burgers in one day. The novel concept has developed a considerable amount of press, with the chain requiring 50 more Flippy models by the end of 2019.
Domino’s has also reported some successes with its automated delivery pizza robots in Europe, with plans to further expand the program. While these robots attract a ton of press coverage early on, they are brilliant exceptions and aren’t really usable in other types of restaurants.
Order kiosks
One of the most realistic types of AI you’ll see in restaurants is ordering from kiosks. These machines allow guests to enter their orders on the site. Then that kiosk acts as the point of sale system, sending the order directly to the kitchen.
Through machine learning, they can analyze global buying patterns in your restaurant, to make “informed” sales suggestions for guests.
Therefore, if your restaurant or point of sale uses customer profiles or a loyalty program, kiosks can offer promotions on the site explicitly designed for that customer, such as a discount or a free birthday item.
Chat Bots
You may have already talked to a chatbot and didn’t know it. Chatbots are a simulated human contact, and you often see them in technical support on websites. When it comes to restaurants, these chatbots can manage reservations, take an order, or answer customer questions.
They respond to a customer’s inquiries with written messages, the way a human would, providing direct comments, suggestions, and confirmations.
With voice command technology becoming more widespread, chatbots that can respond to sound, in the same way that Siri or Alexa do, have begun to develop.
Through AI, chatbots respond for you, giving your restaurant a good image.
Virtual personal assistants
Virtual assistants and their technology, such as Alexa or Google Home, are growing at an accelerated rate, with an estimated number of users that will reach 1,8 million by 2021.
These devices touch the restaurant industry when customers use them to search for places to eat.
These personal assistants can take restaurant data, such as locations, wait times, and distances.
Diners can then make reservations or orders, all through interaction between the personal assistant and the restaurant attendant.
Restaurant Operations Management Technology
Using technology to manage restaurant operators is nothing new, but through AI, its features are becoming more and more powerful.
Using software to manage restaurant inventory, finances, and hours has become much more common for operators, which is why machine learning functions within those programs become much more important.
The AI analyzes data, such as sales figures, these programs can make projections about what the future will hold. You can make workflow adjustments or purchasing decisions. What makes these projections so applicable is that they are generated based on existing data, and not on arbitrary predictions. Artificial intelligence helps ensure that you make informed decisions about operations.
Why restaurant with Artificial Intelligence?
Beyond its flashy technical features, restaurant operators can find a variety of uses for AI. Artificial intelligence in restaurants can help a restaurant:
- Cut costs– Kiosks and chatbots free staff from taking orders and reservations by automating this process.
- Reduce errors– With much of the ordering process done through machines, the chances of miscommunication are diminished.
- Train clients: AI often allows customers to control the flow. They can order and customize to your needs.
- Improve customer experienceAI helps offload tasks so your staff can always be “in the moment”, concentrating on optimizing the customer’s dining experience.
- Increase your marketing reach: Artificial intelligence helps increase sales and makes suggestions to customers in an automated way. It allows you to reach them outside of your restaurant to keep yourself first choice.
All restaurant operators should be aware that artificial intelligence is developing rapidly. But breathe easy! For all personnel to be robotic there is still time, and we have time to adapt.