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Presto Automation Inc., a provider of artificial intelligence-based solutions for drive-through restaurants, is rolling out its voice-ordering system at participating Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s drive-throughs nationwide. San Carlos, Calif.-based Presto had been piloting the technology at select Carl’s Jr. and Hardees locations.
Carl’s Jr. and Hardees, which together have about 2,800 franchised and company-operated restaurants across 44 states, are part of Franklin, Tenn.-based CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., which also operates the Green Burrito and Red Burrito restaurant brands.
During the Presto pilot phase, participating Carl’s Jr. and Hardees restaurants saw a significant rise in revenue and average-ticket size due to upsell opportunities, according to Phil Crawford, CKE’s chief technology officer.
In related news, SoundHound AI Inc., a provider of audio and speech-recognition technology, has partnered with Oracle Corp. to integrate its Smart Ordering voice AI solution into Oracle’s Micros Simphony, a cloud-based point-of-sale kitchen-management and POS application that allows restaurants to accept orders online and through mobile devices. Simphony also alerts customers when their order is ready for curbside pickup or are on its way for delivery.
Orders placed through Soundhound’s voice-ordering system are routed directly to the restaurant’s POS system. SoundHound’s voice technology can handle multiple orders at once, as well as answer questions, accept modifications to an order, and upsell customers.
“Restaurants are looking to voice technology to help drive sales, support employees, and create a great customer experience,” SoundHound’s chief product officer and cofounder James Hom says in a statement.
Santa Clara, Calif.-based SoundHound provides its AI-based voice technology to such companies as Hyundai Motor Co., Vizio Inc., LG Electronics, and Mercedes-Benz Group.
