Restaurants Embrace Artificial Intelligence and Self-Service Kiosks in 2024
A recent report indicates that the baby boomer generation may not be particularly excited about the new technologies that restaurants plan to implement this year.
Many restaurants in the United States have expressed their intention to adopt more technology in 2024, including voice recognition and self-service kiosks.
In a report released by the American Restaurant Association on Wednesday, 16% of restaurants stated that they plan to incorporate artificial intelligence, including voice recognition, into their operations this year.
Additionally, one-fourth of the surveyed restaurants plan to implement self-service ordering and payment kiosks. Nearly half of those surveyed indicated they plan to leverage technology and automation to address labor shortages.
"Restaurant operators have a great entrepreneurial spirit; they are constantly innovating—sometimes through new dishes or flavors, and sometimes through new business practices," said Michelle Cosmo, Chairperson of the National Restaurant Association. "Over three-quarters of operators believe that technology can bring benefits." This study will not only help operators find the right technology for their restaurants and customers but also provide valuable insights into consumer expectations that operators need to confidently evaluate their technology investments."
Meanwhile, younger diners express a greater willingness to use technology in restaurants. The new report reveals that 46% of adults believe that using technology in restaurants that offer comprehensive services will lead to a more positive experience, while 23% believe it will have a negative impact.
Data shows a significant disparity between young and older individuals regarding the adoption of technology. The American Restaurant Association found that 64% of Generation Z and 66% of Millennials believe that using technology can create a more positive dining experience, while only 19% of baby boomers view new restaurant technology positively.
Although approximately half of Millennials express a desire to see more technology in restaurants, only 9% of baby boomers want more technological advancements.
Some national chain restaurants have already begun implementing more artificial intelligence into their business models. For example, Wendy's has started using its FreshAI platform to introduce automatic speakers at their fast-food outlets. The company also plans to use artificial intelligence to implement dynamic pricing, which may lead to varying prices throughout the day.
