WSJ puts AI drive-throughs to the test

WSJ’s tech columnist Joanna Stern placed about 30 orders at a Hardee’s and a human had to step in only three times.

The American drive-through is one of the best places to understand the impact of artificial intelligence on our lives and jobs. As the fast-food industry has struggled with all-time high labor shortages, AI has stepped up.

White Castle, Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s, Del Taco, Checkers and others have all begun employing friendly chatbots that greet you via the drive-through speaker and take your order. If all goes to plan, you won’t see or speak to a human until you’re handed your fry-filled bag and water-tower-sized drink.

“In three years I don’t think there’s going to be any human taking an order in any drive-through in the U.S.,” said Krishna Gupta, chief executive of Presto, a provider of the technology at nearly 350 restaurants across the country, including Hardee’s and Del Taco. 

Full story at Wall Street Journal.