How AI is Changing Fast Food Drive-Thrus Forever
Why settle for fast food when there’s potential for FASTER food? That’s the innovative question being tackled at Hi Auto, a startup based in Tel Aviv, Israel. Founded in 2019, Hi Auto is pioneering the incorporation of AI voice technology into drive-thru lanes globally.
Hi Auto’s software-as-a-service platform is designed to completely automate the drive-thru ordering process, boasting an impressive over 96% order accuracy and more than 90% order completion rates.
Utilizing advanced noise-cancellation technology and a specialized language model tailored for noisy drive-thru environments, Hi Auto’s system operates effectively amid background noise from car engines or even thunderstorms.
The Future of Drive-Thru Fast Food
The core objective of Hi Auto’s platform is to introduce efficiency by replacing human employees at the drive-thru window. This advancement allows regular employees to concentrate on food preparation and customer relations. Hi Auto states, ‘Ordering can be expedited and made more consistent, contributing to a seamless experience for customers.’
Notable fast-food chains, including Bojangles, Checkers & Rally’s, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, Burger King New Zealand, and Popeyes UK, have integrated this innovative solution. Currently, the company is engaged in several paid pilots with other leading quick-service restaurants both domestically and internationally.
Investment and Economic Implications
Recently, Hi Auto secured $15 million in Series A funding, raising its total funding to $23 million, complemented by a $4 million credit line aimed at further expansion. CEO and co-founder Roy Baharav noted, ‘As labor costs and turnover rates rise, restaurants are facing operational challenges. Our AI-powered solution acts as a dependable drive-thru specialist—never calling in sick, showcasing near-perfect accuracy, and consistently upselling.’
This upselling feature significantly enhances business profits, as the AI can make real-time recommendations for additional products based on factors such as store inventory and weather conditions. ‘We can determine which products to promote during busy times of day, resulting in increased sales and profitability,’ Baharav emphasized.
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