Yum China has launched a pilot of Q-Smart, an AI-enabled assistant for restaurant management.
The tool assists with inventory, labour scheduling and food safety, offering intelligent support for decision-making in various operational aspects.
It enables hands-free interaction through wearable devices, allowing managers to perform tasks without the need to engage with touch screens or PCs physically.
Q-Smart leverages natural language processing to facilitate direct communication with restaurant managers, aiding in the management of daily operational tasks.
It monitors inventory levels, aligns them with sales forecasts and prompt managers to make timely decisions on ordering and replenishment.
The assistant can also respond to voice commands, enabling managers to conduct equipment inspections and inventory counts while drawing from the chain’s knowledge base for real-time support and solutions for urgent issues.
Q-Smart is currently undergoing trials at selected KFC outlets. The pilot phase will gather feedback from the users for future enhancements.
Yum China chief technology officer Leila Zhang: “We believe that Q-Smart will not only help Yum China improve its operational efficiency, but can also serve as an example for the digital transformation and smart development of the catering industry."
Yum China noted that it has been integrating AI tools into its operations since 2019, including the AI-powered "Super Brain" and handheld Pocket Managers for real-time operational tracking.
In 2023, the brand began exploring generative AI applications, and by 2024 was integrating these into customer service, logistics and back-office functions.
At its AI Day opening ceremony, CEO Joey Wat announced the formation of a $13.9m Frontline Innovation Fund to support restaurant employees and fuel technological innovation.
This initiative includes making the All-Staff Hackathon a routine annual event.
In 2024, Yum China, Italian coffee manufacturer Lavazza, and super-sports car producer Automobili Lamborghini partnered to launch a co-branded drink in China.
