# AI Touchpoint Foodservice brands use assistive AI tech to improve customer touchpoints. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Oct 25, 2023 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-touchpoint ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.8/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the AI Touchpoint trend? **AI Touchpoint:** Balancing the benefits of both AI assistance and face-to-face customer service interactions, F&B brands are improving efficiency with AI chatbots and assistants across smaller touchpoints in the customer journey--including virtual and phoned delivery inquiries and drive-thru ordering. ## The consumer insight behind the AI Touchpoint trend One of the primary concerns about using AI assistants in retail is that they can limit in-person customer service interactions that build familiarity and connection with a brand. However, convenience and accessibility are also important to customers and AI's various applications improve those considerations. Brands are most effective when carefully assessing which customer journey touchpoints are worth incorporating the tech into--and which are best with engaged human interaction. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 3, 2023 to Nov 8, 2024 - Published: Oct 25, 2023 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the AI Touchpoint trend ### Enhanced Customer Service Improving efficiency with AI chatbots and assistants across smaller touchpoints in the customer journey--including virtual and phoned delivery inquiries and drive-thru ordering. ### Multilingual AI Deploying Spanish drive-through AI voice technology to create an inclusive environment and cater to a broader audience. ### Personalized Recommendations Bolstering user engagement by offering tailored recommendations, answering queries, and connecting users with the restaurants they love most. ## What the AI Touchpoint trend means for industry ### For Foodservice Industry Improving efficiency with AI chatbots and assistants across smaller touchpoints in the customer journey--including virtual and phoned delivery inquiries and drive-thru ordering. ### For Technology Industry Deploying Spanish drive-through AI voice technology to create an inclusive environment and cater to a broader audience. ### For Restaurant Industry Bolstering user engagement by offering tailored recommendations, answering queries, and connecting users with the restaurants they love most. ## Workshop question In what area/s could your brand's customer journey be improved by AI assistants? ## Trend signals for AI Touchpoint Trend score 4.8 out of 10, from popularity 60%, activity 52%, freshness 31%. - Popularity: 60% - Activity: 52% - Freshness: 31% ## Examples of the AI Touchpoint trend 6 featured examples from Mar 3, 2023 to Nov 8, 2024. - [AI-Driven Burger Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caliexpress): CaliExpress Offers Burgers and Fries Prepared by AI Technology (Category: Tech) Implication: AI-driven automation in kitchens is set to redefine food service operations by enhancing consistency, speed, and overall quality of food preparation. - [AI-Powered Drive-Thrus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drivethru-experience): Checkers Collaborates with Hi Auto to Streamline the Drive-Thru Experience (Category: Tech) Implication: The deployment of AI voice technology in drive-thrus introduces a significant development in the fast food industry, enhancing customer service and catering to a broader audience. - [Voice-Based AI QSR Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/valyant-ai-and-paerpay): Valyant AI and Paerpay Tansform Drive-thru Experience with AI (Category: Tech) Implication: Valyant AI and Paerpay's integration of voice-based AI and contactless payment systems is set to elevate the drive-thru experience in the QSR industry. - [AI-Enabled Delivery Chatbots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uber-eats-5): Uber Eats Launches an AI Chatbot to Help Improve User Experiences (Category: Tech) Implication: The food delivery industry can leverage AI-enabled chatbots and tailored recommendations to revolutionize user experiences and gain a competitive edge. - [AI-Powered Tech Deliveries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/best-buy-1): Best Buy Unveils the New AI-Powered Delivery Service (Category: Tech) Implication: E-commerce platforms are leveraging AI to transform the delivery experience, making it more transparent and customer-centric. - [AI-Backed Grocery Deliveries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instacart-2): Instacart Introduces ChatGPT's Chatbot to its Grocery Shopping App (Category: Tech) Implication: Integrating AI chatbots into grocery delivery services to provide a more personalized and human-like grocery shopping experience. ## Recent trend clusters - [Category Mashups](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/category-mashups) (Business) - [Festive Fusions](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/festive-fusions) (Lifestyle) - [Engineered Layers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/engineered-layers) (Fashion) - [Embedded Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/embedded-intelligence) (Tech) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [Repairable Hardshell Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sperro-sv) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)