Quick service restaurant (QSR) tech company Acrelec has formed a strategic partnership with voice AI solutions provider SoundHound AI to introduce voice-enabled drive-through systems across global restaurant chains.
The next-generation systems will integrate SoundHound’s Dynamic Drive-Thru voice AI technology with Acrelec’s digital signage enclosures and content management system.
The system will allow customers to place orders using an automated voice assistant that can process their orders and send them to the point-of-sale system directly.
This streamlines restaurant operations and improves the guest experience by offering increased speed and convenience.
Acrelec innovation and marketing director Chloe Bisiaux stated: “Restaurants today are facing increased pressure to provide easy, efficient customer experiences while managing labour shortages and high operational demands.
“Through our partnership with SoundHound AI, we are empowering our clients with sophisticated AI solutions that will ultimately help them stay competitive and focused on what matters most: delivering great customer experiences and great food.”
The fully integrated voice-enabled system will also enable restaurants to optimise their labour resources.
SoundHound AI channel partnerships vice-president Michael Lauricella stated: “As restaurants continue to turn to AI to meet rising customer expectations and alleviate staffing pressures, we’re excited to partner with Acrelec to deliver impactful AI solutions at scale.”
Acrelec has 25,000 drive-through installations worldwide and supports brands such as Dunkin' and McDonald's. The company has more than 80,000 technology deployments globally, including click-and-collect systems, self-checkout and kiosks.
SoundHound’s voice AI technology is deployed at more than 10,000 restaurant sites.
In February 2025, SoundHound AI upgraded its Dynamic Drive-Thru solution by adding omnichannel ordering capabilities.
In July, US restaurant chain Peter Piper Pizza adopted its technology for a new phone ordering system for pick-up.
