Voice AI Technology Takes a Giant Leap in the Restaurant Industry

With the increasing presence of artificial intelligence in various sectors, the restaurant industry is not lagging behind. ConverseNow, a prominent technology solution provider, has recently acquired Valyant AI, a pioneer in drive-thru automation technology. This strategic move aims to accelerate the adoption of AI-driven solutions within the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector.

Automation technology set to revolutionize the QSR industry

Valyant AI, founded in 2018, has been focused on developing and deploying voice AI technology specifically designed for the drive-thru environment. Their primary offering, an AI voice assistant named Holly, seamlessly integrates with existing drive-thru communication systems from established manufacturers like PAR and HME. Furthermore, Holly interfaces with a range of POS systems, including those from Brink, Xenial, NCR, Aloha, and Oracle Microsystems. This focus on integration with existing infrastructure highlights Valyant AI’s approach of providing readily deployable solutions for QSR brands.

“Our goal is to make AI a ubiquitous tool for restaurants of all scales, enabling them to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience across all ordering channels.” - Vinay Shukla, Co-Founder and CEO of ConverseNow

ConverseNow, with its existing portfolio of voice AI solutions, aims to integrate Valyant AI’s technology and team into its operations. Both companies have articulated a shared objective of making AI solutions more accessible to a wider range of restaurants, irrespective of size or existing technological infrastructure.

ConverseNow’s AI-powered virtual ordering assistants are designed to engage in natural-sounding dialogue with customers, enabling them to understand customer intent and guide the ordering process. These assistants utilize conversational AI to interpret nuances in speech, anticipate ordering patterns, and even suggest upsells based on real-time data analysis.

A futuristic representation of AI-powered drive-thru technology

The acquisition brings an additional technological asset to ConverseNow: an AI Employee Assist product. This voice-activated tool, powered by generative AI, provides restaurant staff with a way to access immediate answers to work-related questions. This solution, already piloted by Valyant AI, is designed for both stationary and drive-thru environments and is expected to be rolled out more broadly by the end of the quarter.

In the near term, both companies will continue to operate under their respective brands, ensuring continuity of service for existing clients. This approach allows both entities to leverage their combined resources and expertise while integrating their technologies.

The future of restaurant technology is looking bright

The widespread adoption of AI in drive-thrus remains an evolving landscape. While some brands have reported successes with AI-powered drive-thru systems, others, like McDonald’s, have recently concluded trials with AI vendors, opting to explore alternative solutions. Similarly, Presto Automation, another player in the AI drive-thru market, has faced scrutiny for its reliance on human agents to support its AI system.

Despite the challenges, the ConverseNow-Valyant AI acquisition is a significant step forward in the quest to harness the potential of AI in the restaurant industry. As the technology continues to evolve, one thing is certain - the future of restaurant technology is looking brighter than ever.