Tools & Platforms
Taco Bell is having second thoughts about relying on AI at the drive-through
Taco Bell’s chief digital officer says the company is having an “active conversation” about when to use and not to use AI.
The company has apparently rolled out voice AI-powered ordering at more than 500 drive-throughs, leading to unflattering viral moments like someone ordering 18,000 water cups in order to “bypass” the AI and get connected to a human server.
Chief Digital and Technology Officer Dane Matthews told The Wall Street Journal that even he has mixed experiences with technology: “Sometimes it lets me down, but sometimes it really surprises me.”
Overall, it sounds like Taco Bell is still deciding how broadly to deploy AI at the drive-through, with leeway for different franchisees to do things their own way. For example, rather than relying on AI exclusively, Matthews said it might make sense to have a human handle drive-through orders at busy restaurants with long lines.
“For our teams, we’ll help coach them: at your restaurant, at these times, we recommend you use voice AI or recommend that you actually really monitor voice AI and jump in as necessary,” he said.
A high school in suburban Chicago was awarded a grant to implement AI-powered gun detection technology.
Oak Lawn Community High School District 229 was one of 50 recipients selected nationwide for the Omnilert Secure Schools Grant Program, the school said in a recent announcement.
The district was awarded a three-year license for Omnilert Gun Detect, an “advanced AI-powered gun detection technology” — at no cost.
The AI system identifies firearms “in real-time through existing security camera infrastructure,” the announcement said.
Once a potential threat is identified, the AI system activates a rapid response process by alerting school officials and law enforcement, ultimately ensuring that threats can be addressed “as quickly and effectively as possible,” the announcement said.
The implementation of the AI system aligns with District 229’s security strategy, that includes a combination of physical safety measures, emergency preparedness and mental health resources, the announcement said.
The school said staff training and safety drills will be done to ensure the technology is used effectively and responsibly.
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