“Starbucks Drive-Thru AI Could Know What You Want Before You Do”

Key points

• Starbucks plans to test background AI models for drive-thrus in fiscal year 2027.
• Testing aims to recognize customers approaching and offer personalized digital menus.
• Possible methods include facial recognition, license plate reading, or mobile app detection.
• No specifics on locations or price changes were provided and consent/opt-out remain undecided.
• CEO Brian Niccol says AI should input orders more accurately while maintaining human interaction.