Starbucks utilises AI and AR to expedite inventory checks
Starbucks has expanded its use of advanced technology by introducing an automated inventory counting system designed to significantly reduce the time needed to track stock levels. The new solution, developed in collaboration with Seattle-based NomadGo, is already operational in thousands of company-operated stores and is expected to be available in all Starbucks-run locations across North America by the end of September.
The system combines handheld tablets with computer vision, three-dimensional spatial intelligence, and augmented reality to scan shelves and identify stock in real-time. Items running low are flagged automatically, enabling staff to address shortages more efficiently. Previously, inventory checks could take nearly an hour, but the new tool reduces this time to around ten to fifteen minutes. This acceleration allows partners to perform the process up to eight times more frequently. In addition, executives have indicated that the platform could eventually automate the ordering of restocks, further streamlining operations.
Beyond the efficiency improvements, the technology offers the company valuable real-time data. Regular and accurate counts provide insights that can enhance supply chain responsiveness, support faster deliveries and reduce instances of stockouts. The initiative forms part of Starbucks’ broader strategy to modernise its operations, ensuring that stores remain well-stocked while enabling staff to spend more time with customers rather than on repetitive manual tasks.
The adoption of the inventory tool is the third major technology initiative announced by Starbucks in recent months. In May, the company introduced Shift Marketplace, a scheduling platform allowing baristas to swap and manage shifts with greater ease. The following month, Starbucks unveiled Green Dot Assist, a generative AI assistant designed to support store operations, as well as pilot a new point-of-sale system aimed at improving transaction speed and reliability. Together, these developments underscore the brand’s growing reliance on artificial intelligence and automation to improve both efficiency and the partner experience.
Starbucks operates nearly 17,000 stores across North America, and the potential benefits of automating labour-intensive tasks at this scale are substantial. The company has made it clear that its intention is not solely to boost efficiency, but also to support employees by eliminating time-consuming tasks that can distract from delivering excellent customer service. By doing so, Starbucks aims to provide a more consistent and positive customer experience across all its outlets.
Other fast-food giants are pursuing similar technological pathways. McDonald’s has deployed a Google-powered cloud platform called Restaurant Platform Edge, which is now live in hundreds of U.S. restaurants and plans for global expansion. One notable feature, its AI-driven “Accuracy Scales,” weighs completed orders to detect mistakes before they reach customers, improving trust and reducing errors. The brand has also tested a geofencing feature known as “Ready on Arrival,” which reduces waiting times by over half.
Chick-fil-A is also embracing innovation, experimenting with computer vision to monitor food quality and investing in geofenced ordering systems that allow kitchens to prepare meals more precisely to match customer arrivals. Additionally, the company has expanded its use of automation in drive-thru operations, which remain among the busiest in the industry.
These developments collectively reveal a broader trend in the quick-service sector, with major brands using artificial intelligence, computer vision and augmented reality not only to speed up service and personalise experiences, but also to strengthen operational foundations. For Starbucks, which consistently highlights the role of partners and craft in its brand identity, the integration of technology aims to strike a balance between efficiency and empowerment.
The ultimate measure of success for Starbucks’ latest technological deployment will not only be in reduced labour hours but also in improved reliability of stock availability, smoother supply chain operations and a consistently dependable experience for customers. In an industry where a missing ingredient or a delayed order can impact trust, the adoption of AI and AR-driven intelligence is a critical advantage in the competitive months ahead.
