Taco Bell to roll out AI drive-thru ordering in hundreds of locations by end of year

Core Insights - Yum Brands is expanding its use of artificial intelligence (AI) for drive-thru orders at Taco Bell, aiming for implementation in hundreds of locations by the end of the year [1] - The company is joining competitors like Wendy's and White Castle in adopting voice AI technology, with its plans being the most ambitious among them [1] - Previous trials by other companies, such as McDonald's, have faced challenges, leading to a shift in strategy [1] Group 1: Implementation and Expansion - Yum has rapidly progressed with its voice AI pilot, increasing from five to 30 locations in California, with over 100 Taco Bell restaurants currently utilizing the technology [2] - Taco Bell operates nearly 7,700 locations in the U.S. as of the end of 2023 [2] - The technology has reportedly improved order accuracy, reduced wait times, and decreased employee workload, contributing to profitable growth [2] Group 2: Future Outlook - Yum's Chief Innovation Officer expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the voice AI technology after over two years of testing [2] - Additionally, five KFC restaurants in Australia are also testing voice AI in their drive-thrus [2] - Yum is expected to report its second-quarter earnings soon, which may provide further insights into the impact of these technological advancements [3]