Terrified of Tech? Afraid of AI? Creeped out by Chatbots? Let's take a look into some spine-tingling ways that Tech is becoming a Treat!
Fearing the unknown is common and most adults can relate to it, but when it comes to technological innovations like AI, something new is frightening to many folks. So, let’s take a moment to pull back the covers, and look into some spine-tingling ways that Tech is becoming a Treat!
Running Away From Robotics?
By now, we all know the whole ‘monster under the bed thing’ is imaginary, but one thing that is very real is the robotics revolution. A leader in the space is none other than Branded Portfolio company, Ottonomy.IO, which automates contactless deliveries through a fleet of proprietary robots.
Ottonomy robots help navigate businesses with staffing shortages in the retail and restaurant industries. Their fully autonomous robots can deliver food & beverage, groceries, and packages curbside, last mile, and even indoor environments.
Ottonomy robots are available on a “RaaS” (Robotics as a Service) model. Business customers get access to a quicker, safer, and more economical delivery option compared to traditional 3rd party delivery services.
Above all these robots are set to reduce carbon emissions and improve quality of life. Ottonomy.IO recently took its “Anytime. Anywhere.” position to the next level. In addition to the physical robots, the company was part of an experience where Ottobots avatars were in the Metaverse for the first time ever.
Ritukar Vijay, Co-Founder and CEO of Ottonomy.IO, says, “The possibility of connecting a fleet of physical Ottobots with its avatars in the Metaverse will be a huge step towards the next generation of Human-Robot Interaction and advanced mobility experience.” He adds, “As the future of innovation and smart cities unfold, Ottonomy has started deploying multiple implementations of autonomous deliveries across multiple continents.” Pretty cool, and yeah, a little creepy.
Afraid of AI?
Over the past few years in hospitality, perhaps nothing has been more horrifying than the labor shortage. Fortunately, Valyant AI, a Branded Portfolio company, has found ways to ease labor shortages with order automation. Valyant AI is a customer service AI designed for existing retail hardware in order to break down barriers between humans and computers through natural communication.
Valyant AI’s proprietary conversational AI platform integrates existing mobile, web, call ahead, kiosk, and drive-thru platforms. This includes integrating with any required onsite hardware and on-premise or cloud point of sale (POS) systems. The platform includes custom-built hardware and conversational software based on the menu with guaranteed accuracy. Additionally, Valyant’s patented drive-thru AI automates the customer ordering process and delivers unprecedented operational efficiencies.
Rob Carpenter, Valyant AI’s founder and CEO, shares, “Seconds count in the drive-thru, and if customers see a long line, they’ll often keep driving and look for another restaurant. By improving ordering accuracy and decreasing wait times, our platform improves the customer service experience.” He adds, “We’re excited to deliver a customer service experience, unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before.”
Automating can lead to happier employees, increased order size, and decreased management headaches while simultaneously reducing customer wait times and, dun-dun-duuuun, FRAUD!
Creeped out by Chatbots?
Restaurant chatbots are another example of the influence that artificial intelligence has on restaurant technology. Chatbots are bots, that can deliver automated, text-based responses to consumers.
According to CX Network, 53% of businesses see AI as a key tool in fostering a “customer-first culture.” According to another poll, 56 percent of businesses believe chatbots are disrupting their industry.
An estimated 80% of restaurants are currently utilizing chatbot technology, and research indicates that chatbots are transforming the industry in significant ways while improving the customer experience.
Chatbots can engage with customers to recommend menu items, suggest specials, pair drink options, ask guests for feedback, offer promotions, announce events, process payments, and even tell diners a joke.
What’s a ghost’s favorite drink? BOOze of course!
Saying Ahhh not AHH to Automation!
When it comes to beer, sodas, or even cold-brew coffee, no one is serving up drinks smarter than PourMyBeer, a Branded Portfolio company.
PourMyBeer is paving the way for revolutionary self-pour beverage technology. Josh Goodman, Founder and CEO, developed the brand’s proprietary technology to benefit both the customer and the business operator. Using hardware and software built to last, PourMyBeer is helping business operators worldwide increase sales while decreasing waste and staffing challenges, creating an unforgettable experience for patrons.
For establishments powered by PourMyBeer, getting a drink has never been easier. Guests approach the tap wall with their registered RFID card or wristband. Once the system recognizes the card, patrons can read about drinks on tap. When they’re ready to pour, patrons grab a glass and begin pouring. Altogether, guests can check-in and start pouring in less than 30 seconds. The system charges by the ounce, so customers only pay for what they pour. Plus, they can sample as many different beverages as they want at the touch of a button! Now that sounds magical!
“I’ve been in the restaurant business all my life and it’s rare that you find a new technology that can reduce labor cost and reduce waste while at the same time creating an experience for the customer. PourMyBeer technology does all of that and more. In my opinion, this technology will change the restaurant industry,” John Felico, Owner of Auggie’s Draft Room.
Beware, restaurants cannot afford to be spooked by innovations that can help them remain relevant and competitive, otherwise, they could face a dead end and there’s nothing scarier than that.
At Branded, we subscribe to the theory that it takes a village. If you’re interested in exploring investment opportunities with Branded, please contact us directly.