Hi Auto Brings Conversational AI to Drive-Thrus Using Intel Technology

Hi Auto is transforming drive-thru efficiency through a conversational AI system powered by Intel technology. As many indoor dining options closed due to pandemic restrictions, drive-thru use surged, with orders in the US alone rising by 22% in 2020. This trend has led to long wait times at drive-thrus, making quick service less convenient.

The Israel-based Hi Auto has developed an AI system that welcomes customers at drive-thrus, responds to their inquiries, recommends menu items, and processes their orders via the point-of-sale system. If customers ask unrelated questions or request items not on the standard menu, the AI seamlessly transfers the interaction to a human employee.

The first restaurant to implement this technology is Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken in Ohio. Chuck Doran, the restaurant’s Owner and Operator, noted, “The automated AI drive-thru has noticeably improved my business. Customers no longer wait long; we greet them promptly at the board, and orders are taken accurately. The voice recognition technology is impressively precise, accelerating service and suggesting additional items based on previous orders, which has enhanced our sales. While a human cashier might suggest an upsell in just one out of twenty transactions, Hi Auto successfully does this in every applicable case, boosting our average check, service time, and overall customer satisfaction.”

Doran also highlighted that with less pressure on cashiers, they can provide better customer service. This reduced stress contributes to employee happiness, which translates to improved customer interactions. Optimizing staff use is critical, especially since a survey revealed that 42% of small businesses face unfilled job vacancies.

Roy Baharav, CEO and Co-Founder of Hi Auto, expressed, “At Lee’s, we partnered with a dedicated team focused on customer service. Our AI system was developed based on insights from the owners and staff. Their acceptance of our solution has led to measurable benefits in a brief period. We’re currently applying the knowledge gained from Lee’s to other client locations.”

Hi Auto’s technology operates on Intel Xeon processors in the cloud and Intel NUC. Joe Jensen, the VP in the Internet of Things Group at Intel, remarked, “Restaurants are increasingly interested in leveraging AI to gather actionable data and enhance customer experiences. With the Hi Auto solution powered by Intel technology, quick-service restaurants can boost employee productivity, improve customer satisfaction, and ultimately enhance their bottom line.”

Plans are in place for Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken branches to adopt Hi Auto’s solution more broadly. The company intends to add Spanish language support and continue refining its conversational AI system. Pilot programs are already in motion with some of the largest quick-service restaurants.