In today’s ever-evolving foodservice landscape, efficiency isn’t just an item on the menu; it’s the main dish. After six whirlwind months of boots-on-the-ground research, attending industry conferences, networking events, and meetings, our own Tom Woodbury—MachineQ’s restaurant technology lead—can confirm that automation is a must-order for 2025.
We caught up with Tom to get the scoop on how brands are not only keeping up with the times, but future-proofing their operations for the rest of the year and beyond:
MQ: What is the focus for foodservice brands right now, and how are companies positioning themselves for the future?
Woodbury: “We’re seeing brands automate everything they can to optimize operations and future-proof their businesses, using tools like robotics, AI, equipment monitoring, and predictive analytics to run leaner and cleaner. For example, we’re seeing brands configure back-of-house equipment to run more efficiently by automating the off/on cycles of secondary hot-make lines based on demand and operating oil-based fryers only as needed. This helps companies reduce waste, decrease costs, and optimize resources, setting their operations up to be more sustainable and prosperous.”
MQ: What recent innovations stand out in how brands are enhancing operations now or planning to in the future?
Woodbury: “We’ve been seeing robotics in foodservice for years, but more recently, we’re noticing they are less about the 'cool' factor and more about being a function of the business. Brands are utilizing robotics, AI, and machine learning in various ways, including automating repetitive tasks for employees and alleviating staffing pressures.
Companies are also ditching text-based systems in favor of visual workflows, such as picture-based ordering, for more efficient food preparation, assembly, and packaging—all designed to reduce human error, speed up new-hire training, and improve output. And it's working. Human mistakes can be expensive, and we’ve spoken to businesses that have seen a considerable improvement in their training processes and a reduction in human error across the board.”
MQ: How is AI impacting foodservice operations?
Woodbury: “In foodservice specifically, AI is everywhere. From AI-driven cameras that track drive-thru demand and AI for voice identification and native language matching, to AI for cash and inventory management, AI is a game changer for back-of-house operations. However, one important factor businesses should consider in their pursuit of efficiency is that AI is only as good as its data. Collecting rich, actionable data begins with the right solutions and technology.”
MQ: How does the Internet of Things (IoT) come into play when it comes to AI and automation on the road to efficiency?
Woodbury: “With intelligent solutions, businesses can monitor kitchen appliances and equipment for power usage, temperature anomalies, utilization, and more, collecting real-time and historical data from essentially any piece of equipment. This enables brands to make data-driven decisions, from optimizing inventory management and ordering to predictive equipment maintenance, ultimately saving businesses time and money.
Savvy foodservice brands are making everything 'smarter,' but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re making everything more efficient – that's where IoT comes in. And, uniquely, our IoT-enabled equipment monitoring device is brand agnostic, which means it can connect any piece of equipment, regardless of the manufacturer, enabling foodservice operators to centralize equipment data in a single, scalable system. Truly revolutionizing operations begins with integrating the right solutions and the right partners.”
The drive toward automation in foodservice is rooted in the pursuit of greater efficiency, accuracy, and adaptability. From AI-driven inventory management and visual order interfaces to smart appliances and robotics, the industry is rapidly evolving to reduce labor-intensive tasks and improve operational efficiency. The key to establishing truly efficient operations is integration—ensuring that innovative systems work together seamlessly, even as technology advances. And as automation becomes more accessible and refined, businesses that adopt a strategic, data-driven approach will be best positioned to meet evolving demands.
Want to learn more about foodservice solutions to future-proof your operations? Contact us today.
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