How AI and automation will reshape grocery stores and fast-food chains

In 2022 , American grocery stores spent $13 billion on tech automations.

The Food Industry Association expects spending on smart cards and revamped self checkout aisles to grow 400% through 2025 .

McDonald's and Kylie Express have opened fully autonomous stores that operate without human staff because labor is one of the biggest costs for fast food players.

72% of consumers actively use automated tech like cell checkout and contactless payment, according to research firm Software Advice .

While grocery retailers struggle with self checkout, fast food chains are placing more and more self-service kiosks in restaurants.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the industry will need more than 500,000 new workers each year to account for turnover.

The worry is that over time it will replace more of these jobs and it will lead to becoming a lot more difficult for folks to get these entry level positions.

At Drive To, we see a lot of upside over the next several years with AI and technology, being able to enhance customer experience while making the job a lot easier.