In the news: White Castle, Chipotle, Honey Fraud, and How far do we go...

AI Robot Beekeeper
by OpenAI
In the news...

 AI Coming to White Castle Drive-Thrus With Help From SoundHound, Samsung by John P. Mello Jr. (October 4, 2023) 

Summary:  White Castle, the iconic fast food hamburger chain, is revolutionizing over 100 of its drive-thru lanes with advanced AI technology. Partnering with SoundHound and Samsung Electronics America, White Castle's drive-thru menus will integrate SoundHound's voice AI technology and Samsung's MagicINFO digital signage software. This collaboration creates an interactive, dynamic menu experience, allowing customers to customize orders and inquire about specials with voice commands. The AI system processes orders in under 60 seconds, boasting a remarkable 90% order completion rate. Efficiency aside, the system enhances the work experience for employees, allowing them to focus on customer interactions. White Castle's move towards AI not only emphasizes speed and accuracy but also aims to maintain the human touch in customer service, demonstrating a significant leap in the fast-food industry's technological evolution.

Chipotle tests automation for burrito bowls and salads by Amelia Lucas (10/3/2023)

Summary:  In a bid to enhance efficiency and cater to the growing demand for digital orders, Chipotle Mexican Grill is delving into the realm of automation. Partnering with startup Hyphen, Chipotle is testing a robot equipped with Hyphen technology capable of assembling burrito bowls and salads specifically for digital orders. While this marks Chipotle's second venture into automation following the introduction of Chippy, a robot focused on making tortilla chips, the move signifies a broader trend in the restaurant industry. With competitors like Sweetgreen and Starbucks also investing in automation to streamline operations, the industry is witnessing a significant shift. Although the initial investment in robotics and AI software is substantial, the long-term benefits in terms of labor cost reduction, order consistency, and speed are promising. Chipotle's collaboration with Hyphen underlines the restaurant's commitment to embracing innovative solutions for a more seamless customer experience in the digital age.

Aston University technology to combat the not-so sweet practice of honey fraud (04/10/2023)

Summary:  Aston University, in collaboration with The Scottish Bee Company, the British Beekeepers Association, and the Honey Authenticity Network UK, is pioneering a unique approach to tackle honey fraud. Utilizing the science of light, the team is developing an innovative method to detect adulteration in honey, the second most common food fraud globally. Using Fluorescence Excitation-Emission (FLE) spectroscopy combined with advanced machine learning techniques, they aim to create a swift and reliable testing method. Unlike current techniques such as chromatography and sensory analysis, which are expensive and time-consuming, this light-based approach coupled with AI algorithms promises a faster and more precise assessment of honey quality. The project, led by Dr. Alex Rozhin from Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies, aims not only to enhance consumer confidence but also to safeguard the reputation of British honey. The collaborative effort is a significant step towards ensuring the integrity of the UK honey market, addressing concerns related to food security and biodiversity. The project is supported by organizations like the BBKA and is expected to evolve into a UK-wide initiative, creating a comprehensive database of honey samples and developing portable instruments for honey sampling and detection.

How far can ML and AI go in food and bev? (October 4, 2023)

Summary:  In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its subset Machine Learning (ML) have gained significant attention in the food and beverage industry, revolutionizing various aspects of the supply chain. The applications of ML in this sector are diverse. By utilizing ML algorithms, businesses can better comprehend the impact of changing weather patterns on global harvests, allowing for more informed and adaptive strategies.


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