MOS Burger launches AI drive-thrus amidst Japan labour shortages
Voice dialogue systems handle order taking while human employees are relegated to food preparation.
MOS Food Services, Inc., which operates MOS Burger, has started pilot testing AI-powered drive-thrus to address labour shortages, evolve existing restaurant operations, and enhance the customer experience.
The move follows the group’s partnership with information technology firm New Innovations Inc. last December.
According to the press release, the system will use a voice dialogue that will carry out order-taking tasks. Restaurant employees will then prepare the order. In a demonstration to local media, the AI is also able to upsell and make suggestions based on the current limited-time offers.
The system is part of the group’s strategy to adopt a ‘hybrid support’ business model.
The company plans to test the technology in five locations in Japan, aiming to expand the technology to more restaurants.