During this year's Food on Demand Conference, held on May 9th at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, we had the pleasure of diving deep into the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Generative AI (GenAI) in transforming the restaurant sector. Our panel, featuring key figures from Amazon Web Services, DoorDash, and Vistry.ai, explored the real-world applications, opportunities, and challenges of these technologies in the food industry.
Understanding AI, ML, and GenAI
Our session began with a clarifying overview of the technology landscape:
AI refers to systems that mimic human decision-making processes, such as Amazon's forecasting services or DoorDash’s dispatching logic.
MLÂ is a subset of AI focused on using data and algorithms to learn and make predictions, exemplified by AWS's SageMaker, which allows anyone to build and deploy ML models at scale.
Deep Learning, a more specialized subset of ML, involves complex tasks like audio or visual recognition, crucial for functions like Amazon’s Alexa.
GenAI, which involves pretraining foundational models on extensive data sets, supports advanced interactions, such as automated voice and bot ordering, and helps Vistry.ai enhance crew member interactions with company resources.
Real-World Applications and Operator Obsession
Panelists David Azose of DoorDash and Brian Lichorowic of Vistry.ai shared how their companies apply GenAI to enhance operational efficiency and customer service:
DoorDash uses GenAI to optimize restaurant operations, enhance sales through AI bots, and personalize customer interactions, making menu management seamless and tailored.
Vistry.ai employs GenAI to improve both customer-facing services like LumoChat for ordering and back-of-house operations through ZenoChat, which supports procedural adherence and real-time access to operational data.
Training and Upskilling
A significant discussion point was around upskilling and training necessary to implement these technologies effectively. Both DoorDash and Vistry.ai are focused on minimal disruption to current practices, aiming for enhancements that are helpful and cost-effective without requiring major changes from customers or internal teams.
Governance and Guardrails
As AI technologies are rapidly advancing, governance practices have evolved to include robust guardrails to prevent issues like "hallucinations" or incorrect AI-generated responses. Both companies emphasize the importance of human oversight in the loop, ensuring that AI decisions are verified by human agents when necessary, thereby maintaining accuracy and reliability.
Business Impact and Insights
The session highlighted impactful business insights gained through AI and ML, from detecting purchasing patterns to understanding real-time usage of business processes. These insights are not only enhancing current operations but are also driving strategic decisions for future enhancements.
"Closing out the event, the CEO of a prominent robotics company expressed to me that the GenAI session was the best of the event. He stated that David’s message, from a place of scale and complexity, was insightful to help others think about the structuring of the org and delivery of solutions. He loved Brian’s ability to tell operator led stories and thought it was equally insightful to understand how the technology can help with running and operating a restaurant." Steven Elinson, Director, AWS for Services Sector
Looking Ahead
In closing, the panelists reflected on the future of AI in the restaurant industry, predicting even more integrated and advanced applications of AI, ML, and GenAI. They envision a landscape where these technologies are seamlessly embedded into all facets of restaurant operations, driving innovation and efficiency to new heights.
This panel session not only clarified the complex landscape of AI technologies but also showcased the tangible benefits and strategic implementations that are driving the restaurant industry forward. As we continue to embrace these advancements, the potential to transform everyday business operations and customer interactions is boundless. Thank you to all the participants and attendees who joined us for this enlightening discussion.
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