McDonald's has recently acquired Apprente, in an effort to enhance its drive-thru technology through artificial intelligence. Apprente is a startup company that works on conversational agents, which could be used to help automate the ordering process and help to order in multiple languages.
McDonald's has been testing Apprente's drive-thru technology at certain locations. McDonald's was testing voice-activated drive-thrus, which McDonald's indicated would create a more streamlined faster and more precise ordering system. The fast food chain has also indicated Apprente technology could be used for mobile orders as well as kiosk ordering.
McDonald's also acquired another startup this year, named Dynamic Yield. This purchase was focused on creating a more custom drive-thru experience. Through both of the recent acquisitions, it is clear that McDonald's values integrating new technology into its locations.
Drive-Thru Tech Acquisitions
McDonald's Purchased Apprente to Improve Its Drive-Thru Technology
Trend Themes
1. Conversational Agents - The acquisition of Apprente provides an opportunity for businesses to integrate conversational agents into their drive-thru technology, enhancing the ordering process and improving customer experience.
2. Voice-activated Drive-thrus - The testing of voice-activated drive-thrus by McDonald's presents an opportunity for the fast-food industry to implement this technology, enabling faster and more precise ordering systems.
3. Customized Drive-thru Experience - McDonald's acquisition of Dynamic Yield highlights the potential for businesses to create a personalized drive-thru experience, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Food - The integration of Apprente's drive-thru technology provides an opportunity for fast food chains to streamline their ordering process and improve operational efficiency.
2. Restaurant Technology - The acquisitions by McDonald's point to the growing demand for innovative drive-thru technologies, providing opportunities for companies in the restaurant tech industry to develop and offer similar solutions.
3. Artificial Intelligence - The utilization of AI-powered Conversational Agents in drive-thru technology presents opportunities for the AI industry to expand its applications in various sectors, including customer service and automated operations.