The restaurant industry has undergone many changes over the last decade, with new technologies and innovations changing how we eat out. In fact, the Internet and social media have made it easier for people to discover new restaurants, review their experiences, and reserve tables online. In addition to that, restaurant industry tech trends like mobile apps have also given users quicker access to menus, location details, and reservations.
So what will the next few years bring? Here are some of the biggest trends that are set to change how we eat out in 2022:
1. Delivery Drones
Delivery drones have been around for a while. However, they’ve only recently become a part of the restaurant industry tech trends. Initially, they were used to deliver food to people’s homes, but now they’re also transporting food and ingredients between restaurants and distribution centers.
Only a few restaurants have the tech to fly their own drones. However, the majority have partnered with drone delivery services like Flirtey to deliver their food.
2. Virtual Waitress Robots
One of the most futuristic technologies on our list is the virtual waitress robot. This robot integrates computer vision, language processing, and artificial intelligence to understand human requests and respond to them. Restaurants use this tech to provide better customer service and reduce the need for human staff during low-demand periods.
3. Contactless Payment
Food companies are also embracing contactless payment methods. Customers can pay for their orders using smartcards, smartphones, and smartwatches and order online. Though the adoption of this tech was slow at the onset, the global pandemic provided a significant boost to its popularity. And now that it’s been the norm in many parts of the world, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
4. AI-Based Menu Recommendations
Artificial intelligence is having a significant impact on the restaurant industry. Some restaurants are now using AI for menu recommendations based on past orders. In addition, AI can also offer nutritional facts and allergy information or even provide customer service via chatbots.
In 2022, we can expect to see even more AI features integrated into restaurant tech. For example, some will be using AI-powered digital assistants to let customers order food and make reservations via voice commands. Furthermore, AI will also be able to recommend food and drinks based on what customers have ordered before. These recommendations can be based on customer preferences, food allergies and dietary restrictions, weather conditions, or even the time of day.
5. Augmented Reality Apps
Augmented reality apps are another one of the restaurant industry tech trends gaining popularity. People use these apps to place 3D images in the real world and see how they look before buying them. Some restaurants can also use this tech to offer sample menus and virtual tours of the space.
In 2022, we can expect to see more restaurants using AR apps to give customers a better idea of what they’re ordering. This is because it helps customers make decisions more quickly, which is an important part of the ordering process.
The Bottom Line
The restaurant industry is always changing, and it’s vital to keep up to ensure that your business remains relevant. New tech is being developed all the time, and the best way to win the race is to jump on board early. The key is to see what works for you and get your products and services ready as an early adopter.
That said, there’s no knowing what 2022 will bring. New technologies may emerge, and existing ones may become obsolete. It’s crucial to stay flexible and adaptable to survive whatever change comes your way.
