Panera has announced a new partnership with Miso Robotics whereby the restaurant will test Miso's 'CookRight Coffee' artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robotic barista. The system will be touch-controlled and will learn how to guarantee consumers a fresh cup of coffee. CookRight Coffee achieves this by monitoring the volume and heat of the various coffee pots it has. On top of this, the system will track how long each coffee pot has been sitting out without being changed.
This system will ensure that the Panera staff know exactly when, and how often, new pots of each type of coffee need to be brewed. In addition to ensuring fresh coffee, the system will also streamline Panera's 'Unlimited Sip Cup' membership reward. MyPanera rewards members can pay $8.99 per month in order to receive infinite refills while in-store on coffee and tea. The robot will recognize this subscription perk and dispense infinite refills to members.
While Panera is beginning its AI-powered robotics tests with the coffee station, the restaurant believes the system has value in other parts of the restaurant as well, which the brand will look into in the future.
AI-Powered Robotic Baristas
Panera is Testing the AI-Powered 'CookRight Coffee' System In-Stores
Trend Themes
1. AI-powered Robotic Baristas - Panera is testing AI-powered 'CookRight Coffee' System to ensure fresh coffee and streamline membership rewards, which has potential applications in other parts of the restaurant industry.
2. Touch-controlled AI Monitoring System - CookRight Coffee system is touch-controlled, and leverages AI to monitor the volume and heat of coffee pots, which can be generalized to different foods in the restaurant industry.
3. Streamlining Membership Rewards with AI Technology - Panera leverages AI technology to instantly dispense infinite refills to MyPanera rewards members, demonstrating the potential for AI in improving the customer experience in the hospitality industry.
Industry Implications
1. Restaurant Industry - Panera's AI-powered 'CookRight Coffee' System, which ensures fresh coffee, has potential applications in other parts of the restaurant industry such as food preparation, cooking, and more.
2. Hospitality Industry - Streamlining membership rewards with AI technology such as Panera's infinite coffee refills can improve the customer experience in the hospitality industry and enhance customer loyalty.
3. Coffee and Tea Industry - CookRight Coffee system, powered by AI, offers the coffee and tea industry potential solutions for ensuring freshness and enhancing customer loyalty programs.