Artificial intelligence is looking to provide better service to customers, restaurants and fast food chains by making their ordering process faster than ever. Encounter AI is doing so through the use of voice-recognition technology and artificial intelligence.

Founded by CEO Derrick Johnson and Kabah Conda, Encounter AI is marketed toward businesses who use headset and intercom systems to shorten ordering time. For example, while the automated system is handling orders, cashiers are able to focus on monetary transactions.

Johnson said the biggest benefit to using Encounter AI for consumers is the customization and personalization.

“You can say what diet you’re on and the system will show you menu items that are there,” Johnson said. Consumers with allergies and other restricted diets are easily able to identify with menu items that fit their needs within seconds using Encounter AI.

Encounter AI’s ordering system also helps eliminate waste — cashiers do not have to worry about logging the wrong orders and risking customers throwing food away.

Johnson said other technological changes in the food and restaurant industries such as the use of mobile ordering and kiosks have had contrasting impacts. Panera Bread, Wendy’s and McDonald’s currently have ordering kiosks in their restaurants, but the equipment is not making significant changes in ordering times because customers are not using them.

Alternatively, mobile ordering with Seamless, Grubhub, Postmates, UberEats, and in-house apps has made it easier for customers to get their food without going to an actual store.

Johnson said customers use kiosks as a backup plan and usually “choose humans first.” He also said customers aren’t going to use an app once they have already committed time to a store.

Encounter AI is not only for restaurants, but the platform can also be used to streamline inventory management.

Encounter AI is currently being tested in Milwaukee, Chicago, and Atlanta with plans to release in early 2019.

Derrick Johnson and Kabah Conda will be participating in the AfroTech Cup Pitch Competition. Check out the live stream starting at 2 o’clock to see them and other founders pitch their ideas.

Encounter AI

Sign up for our daily Newsletter.