Hardly any industry is left untouched by the rapid advancement of technology. Every sector aspires to mold technology to meet its demands and bring about greater business efficiency. The restaurant sector, too, has incorporated technology to improve customer experience. Artificial Intelligence-powered computer vision technology is becoming the differentiator in the vast restaurant industry of the US for attributes of production processes and labor efficiencies. Given that the restaurant industry functions with slim margins, digitizing the operations is the way forward. Can computer vision technology — essentially it trains computers to interpret the visual world — shape the future of the industry? Here are some unsettling stats. It helps reduce food waste A host of factors like overbuying, inaccurate estimates about preparation and rapid rotting of perishable ingredients has led to restaurants in the US generating a humongous 20-30 million pounds of food waste annually. The application of machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tech helps cut down on food waste. Here, the restaurant industry deserves applause for constantly identifying ways to improve the safety and health standards of employees and customers. Being able to schedule cleaning of touched surfaces using technology is on the rise. It provides comfort to customers that the food they’re consuming is made with utmost care. Yes, data is the oxygen every business needs and the restaurant industry is no outlier. It uses AI and machine learning tech to gather vast information that helps in crucial decisions in supply chain management, customer demand, and getting the business future-ready. Technology is influencing every aspect of our lives more than ever. The pandemic, for instance, has bolstered contactless payments. This facility allows customers to make minimum contact with the restaurant staff, gives them the freedom to choose from the menu, and pay accordingly. Which brings us back to AI which is rapidly intruding into our economic activities and defining new forms of engagement. AI has made its presence felt in every department of the restaurant business in the US. According to a recent report published on Semrush, AI’s value will be worth a whopping $190.6 billion by 2025. Additionally, there are studies suggesting that over 50% of restaurants have taken to automation services to make their business operations more efficient. Naturally, it’s feared that a significant number of employees could end up losing jobs. But don’t worry about your job ‘Artificial Intelligence impact on jobs’ might be searched frequently on Google but the apprehensions are unfounded. In fact, emerging technologies, Machine Learning, and automation will not only define the future of restaurants, but they will also create more employment opportunities and contribute to the career development of a fresh talent pool. In a report titled Restaurant 2030: Actionable Insights for the Future, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) predicts, “Restaurants will compete with other industries for tech talent. Benefits will be critical to recruiting and retaining employees. Technology-based training, certifications, and internal career paths will be increasingly important tools to retain valuable employees.” Isn’t it amazing that tech trends are evolving far more quickly than we could ever anticipate? It would be interesting to see how emerging technologies and innovation have recalibrated the industry. Robots assisting chefs While robots, the future technology in restaurants, have not yet invaded the kitchen to take over the role of the chef, they will assist in smoothening the process, make services more efficient, and keep a tab on the preparation of cuisine. Reams are being written on the future prospects of robotics in this industry. It’s undeniable that robots not only simplify the processes, they also provide customers with a perfect experience. In fact, the way technology is influencing the restaurant industry is mind-boggling. It’s not just about aroma and the right spices anymore. Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) Think of the use of KDS and the fact that it has helped improve communication systems within the restaurant premises. Those in direct contact with customers can pass on messages to the team working behind the doors. As a result, mistakes in taking orders and the time consumed to prepare dishes to reduce significantly. Of course, customers are at the heart of innovations. It’s the human element that makes technology so relatable. Can customers even imagine a day without: ● Online ordering apps Customers are generally comfortable using apps developed by restaurant chains and delivery platforms to place food orders using this facility. ● Contactless payment Furthermore, with contactless payments seeing a sharp boost in the past couple of years, paying with a smartphone, smartwatch, or smart card via an app or touchless device will only gain further ground in the months ahead and define the future of the restaurant industry. ● Online table reservation system It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that dialing a particular restaurant to request bookings is a thing of the past. Now, there are apps helping customers make booking decisions on the go using smart tech. Embrace this industry Truly, the restaurant tech is here to stay. You probably have expertise in computer vision and machine learning. You might be the medium to support organizations keen to incorporate technology. The industry must know what you offer. Having a dynamic website listing your services thus becomes paramount. That’s why we are here. Trust our experienced web development team to do the job. Write in a mail at team@sdi.la or call us at +1.408.621.8481.