Starbucks' AI Inventory Tool Promised 99% Accuracy; 11,000 Stores Revert to Manual Counting Nine Months Later
Crusty in the right places. Worth the chew.
Summary
Starbucks rolled out an AI inventory tool called Automated Counting from startup NomadGo across 11,000+ stores in September 2025, touting 99% accuracy and 8x faster counts using computer vision and AR. However, nine months later, the system failed to deliver on its promises, and Starbucks reverted to manual counting by baristas. The article examines the gap between ambitious AI vendor claims and real-world operational failures in retail.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledNinety-nine percent accuracy. Counts up to eight times faster than doing it by hand.
The press release said the inventory was automated, intelligent, and fun. The internal memo, nine months later, said the baristas could go back to counting it themselves.
A 'unique synthesis' of on-device computer vision, 3D spatial intelligence, and augmented reality.
Wave a tablet at a shelf of milk jugs and syrups, and the count appears, validated in AR.
You might also wanna read
Starbucks ChatGPT Integration Review: AI Ordering Falls Short of Expectations
The article details a frustrating experience using Starbucks' new ChatGPT integration for ordering coffee. While the author has a regular or
The Verge·1mo agoStarbucks is tying most tech workers’ bonuses to how much they’re using artificial intelligence as the coffee chain seeks to improve efficiency
Taco Bell's AI Drive-Thru Ordering System Struggles with Complex Customer Requests Across 500+ Locations
Taco Bell deployed voice AI ordering systems across 500+ drive-through locations, only to discover the technology struggles with the complex
aidarwinawards.org·9mo ago
Taco Bell reconsiders AI drive-through technology after ordering errors
Taco Bell is reassessing its use of AI voice technology for drive-through orders after experiencing significant challenges and errors, inclu
bbc.com·9mo ago
Taco Bell Re-evaluates AI Drive-Thru Implementation Due to Technical Glitches and Customer Trolling
Taco Bell is re-evaluating its AI drive-thru voice assistant deployment after encountering significant issues including customer frustration
The Verge·9mo ago
Fast-food chains expand AI chatbot ordering beyond the drive-thru
McDonald's pioneered AI chatbot ordering at drive-thrus in 2021 after acquiring voice-tech startup Apprente, starting with 10 Chicago locati
The Verge·26d ago