SoundHound AI Revolutionizes Fast-Food Customer Service with Voice-Based Assistant

In a groundbreaking development for the fast-food industry, SoundHound AI Inc. SOUN, +2.79% has introduced a voice-based assistant to enhance the customer experience at popular chains like Krispy Kreme, White Castle, and Chipotle.

Drawing inspiration from the futuristic technology depicted in “Star Trek,” SoundHound AI’s co-founder and CEO, Keyvan Mohajer, envisions a world where customers can interact naturally with the devices around them. While teleportation may still be a distant dream, the company aims to bring that same sense of wonder and ease of communication to the fast-food industry.

Recently, SoundHound acquired SYNQ3 Restaurant Solutions for $25 million. SYNQ3 is a pioneering startup that specializes in voice AI for restaurants, serving more than 10,000 establishments across the United States. Their cutting-edge technology streamlines the ordering process, both at drive-throughs and in-store, providing an interactive and efficient experience for customers.

According to Jamie Richardson, Vice President at White Castle Management Co., this voice-based assistant has been a game-changer. It not only improves order accuracy but also boosts employee productivity. Customers can conveniently place their orders through a speaker and console screen called “Julia” available at 15 White Castle drive-through locations. The screen displays the order, allowing customers to review and make any necessary modifications. Julia’s success has prompted White Castle to extend its implementation to 100 locations by the end of 2024.

The advent of SoundHound AI’s voice-based assistant marks a significant advancement in customer service for the fast-food industry. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, these innovative tools aim to create a more seamless and enjoyable to-go experience for customers nationwide.

SoundHound Expands Partnerships and Sales Momentum

SoundHound, an 18-year-old tech company, initially gained recognition for its voice-based assistant that helps users identify songs and artists. Over time, they ventured into collaborating with popular carmakers like Hyundai and Kia to develop in-cabin voice assistance for infotainment systems. Additionally, SoundHound integrated their technology with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors.

The partnership between SoundHound and the automotive giants, Hyundai and Kia, brings forth exciting possibilities. Paul Choo, Executive Vice President of the Infotainment Development Center at Hyundai, believes that this collaboration will greatly enhance the driving experience for customers of Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia vehicles.

SoundHound has been steadily gaining sales momentum, reporting $13.3 million in the third quarter, a 52% increase from the previous quarter. This positive growth can be attributed to their commitment to excellence in AI technology. Key figures within SoundHound, like its founder Mohajer, who has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Stanford University and over 90 patents related to voice technology, have always believed in the power of AI and voice technology.

Despite initial doubts from investors about the time it would take for the technology to mature, SoundHound has managed to secure $500 million in funding and has attracted multiple acquisition proposals.

The company’s innovation and dedication to advancing voice-based technology opens up endless opportunities for future developments and partnerships. SoundHound is poised to take the industry by storm with its remarkable solutions for enhancing voice capabilities and revolutionizing the way we interact with technology in our vehicles.