Starbucks Korea to trial voice ordering with AI
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Starbucks Korea is to partner with the country’s largest telco in a trial of voice ordering using AI.
If it works, Starbucks customers will be able to order and pay for a coffee just by speaking, speeding the payment process.
SK Telecom Co says the trial will use the company’s AI device Nugu, released last September, which focuses on providing household-related services. Earlier this month, SK Telecom released a portable edition of Nugu, seeking to tap deeper into the AI industry.
Nugu provides various services to users, including music streaming, Internet-of-Things solutions, schedule management and weather alerts.
The mobile carrier also plans to connect Nugu to its driving-navigation platform T-map, allowing drivers to order drinks and locate the nearest drive-thru Starbucks shops. If the development is completed, drivers will be able to safely order drinks without having to tap their smartphones.
Starbucks Korea and SK Telecom plan to complete the development by the end of the year.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary goal of this trial for Starbucks customers?
What is the primary goal of this trial for Starbucks customers?
The main aim is to allow customers to order and pay for coffee simply by speaking. This is intended to make the payment process faster and more convenient for them.
Q.Which company's AI technology will be used for the voice ordering trial?
Which company's AI technology will be used for the voice ordering trial?
The trial will utilise SK Telecom Co's AI device, Nugu. This device was first released last September and typically focuses on providing household-related services.
Q.How might this technology benefit drivers in the future?
How might this technology benefit drivers in the future?
SK Telecom plans to connect Nugu to its T-map navigation platform. This would enable drivers to safely order drinks and find the closest drive-thru Starbucks without needing to use their smartphones.
Q.When do Starbucks Korea and SK Telecom expect to finish developing this system?
When do Starbucks Korea and SK Telecom expect to finish developing this system?
Starbucks Korea and SK Telecom anticipate completing the development of this voice ordering system by the end of the current year.
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