Artificial intelligence is not only a hyped advancement in the technology sector; the food industry is also heavily investing in this cutting-edge trend that is taking the market by storm.

When Americans visit grocery stores or their preferred quick-service restaurants, they are likely to encounter the integration of new technologies such as self-service checkout stations and AI-assisted ordering systems in drive-thrus.

As consumers in the United States navigate through persistent food price increases, seeking out bargains and adjusting their spending behaviors, the food industry is utilizing artificial intelligence to tackle high labor costs and offer more affordable prices on various products.

Leading fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Wendy’s have reestablished their value menu offerings, while major retailers such as Walmart and Target have reduced prices on select grocery items.

“In this challenging landscape, achieving substantial profits, driving sales, and ensuring customer satisfaction is incredibly complex,” remarked Neil Saunders, the managing director and retail analyst at GlobalData. “It’s a delicate balance, and until there is a shift in the economy, achieving complete equilibrium will be a significant challenge.”

During this economically challenging period, McDonald’s disclosed its strategy to channel $2 billion towards integrating AI and robotics in its restaurants and drive-thru services. Additionally, in 2022, grocery stores collectively invested $13 billion in tech automation, as indicated by research conducted by FMI, The Food Industry Association. Forecasts from FMI suggest that expenditures on innovations like smart shopping carts and modernized self-checkout lanes could surge by 400% by 2025.

“We anticipate substantial growth in the coming years, with AI and technology playing a pivotal role in enhancing the customer experience while simplifying the tasks of team members,” stated Joe Park, the chief digital and technology officer at Yum Brands.

For further insights on how the food industry is utilizing AI to revolutionize the customer journey, view the accompanying video.