Starbucks Rolls Out New Inventory System Powered By AI – CoffeeTalk

Starbucks is introducing a new system for counting inventory using artificial intelligence technology to its over 11,000 North American stores by the end of September. The system uses workers to scan inventory shelves with a handheld tablet equipped with software to automatically count goods and flag those in low supply. Starbucks Chief Technology Officer Deb Hall Lefevre said the system enables faster replenishment and more consistent availability of in-store items, such as cold foam, oat milk, and caramel drizzle. The technology has already been rolled out to thousands of stores, where it has caused inventories to be counted eight times more frequently. The technology is provided by NomadGo, which has provided similar inventory counting services to other chains, such as a franchisee for Taco Bell and KFC. NomadGo’s technology is a “unique synthesis of on-device 3D spatial intelligence, computer vision, and augmented reality.” Starbucks said the rollout is part of a larger plan for optimizing its supply chains.

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol, an AI enthusiast, has deployed other technology in recent months, including “Green Dot Assist,” a virtual assistant for workers, and “Smart Queue,” which sequences customer orders.

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