A new partnership between SoundHound AI and Acrelec is set to change how drive-thrus operate around the world. By combining voice AI technology with digital systems, restaurants can now offer faster, more efficient service. This collaboration aims to create smarter drive-thrus that make ordering smoother for customers and help restaurants run more effectively.

Bringing Voice AI to Drive-Thrus

SoundHound AI, a leader in voice technology, has teamed up with Acrelec, a major provider of restaurant tech solutions. Together, they are developing a next-generation drive-thru system that integrates SoundHound’s Dynamic Drive-Thru voice AI with Acrelec’s content management and digital signage. This means customers can place orders simply by speaking, without needing to interact with a menu or kiosk manually.

This integrated system will allow customers to communicate naturally with an automated voice assistant, speeding up the ordering process. For restaurants, it means fewer mistakes and quicker transactions. The system also helps staff by reducing the need for constant human interaction at the drive-thru window, freeing them to focus on other tasks or handle more complex orders.

Widespread Impact and Benefits

Acrelec has a strong global presence, with over 25,000 systems installed worldwide. Their technology is used by big brands like McDonald’s and Dunkin’, powering kiosks, self-checkout stations, and click-and-collect services. This extensive experience means the new AI-driven drive-thru solutions can be quickly adopted by many restaurant chains.

SoundHound’s voice AI is already in over 10,000 restaurant locations, supporting a variety of devices such as phones, drive-thrus, and kiosks. Their technology handles billions of voice queries annually, backed by millions of hours of voice data. This partnership aims to make drive-thru ordering more seamless, reducing wait times and improving customer satisfaction.

For restaurant owners, the benefits go beyond speed. These AI systems can help cut labor costs by automating routine tasks and allowing staff to focus on delivering quality food and service. Customers will enjoy easier, more natural interactions, which can lead to increased loyalty and better overall experiences.

Looking Ahead for Quick Service Restaurants

Chloe Bisiaux, Acrelec’s Director of Innovation & Marketing, highlights the challenges restaurants face today, like labor shortages and high operational demands. She explains that their partnership with SoundHound AI is about empowering clients with advanced technology that keeps them competitive. The goal is to deliver fast, efficient, and enjoyable customer experiences while easing staff workload.

This move toward AI-driven drive-thrus is part of a larger trend in the quick-service industry. As brands adopt more automation and voice technology, customers can expect more personalized, quick, and contactless interactions. The future of fast food is becoming smarter, thanks to these innovative collaborations.

Overall, this partnership marks a significant step in how restaurants can modernize their drive-thru service. By integrating voice AI with digital signage and content management, they are creating a more streamlined, efficient, and customer-friendly experience that benefits everyone involved.

Inspired by

• https://ai-techpark.com/soundhound-ai-acrelec-partner-on-next-gen-ai-drive-thrus/