Taco Bell Rolls Out Voice AI to 890 Drive-Thrus in 38 States
YUMC•Taco Bell has deployed Omilia’s voice AI in over 890 U.S. drive-thrus across 38 states, automating order-taking with real-time menu adaptation and sub-second latency. Locations using the technology report order times matching traditional methods and improved employee retention, supporting Yum Brands’ long-term digital strategy.
1. Expansion of Voice AI
Taco Bell expanded its partnership with Omilia that began in 2023, installing voice AI order-taking systems in more than 890 drive-thru lanes across 38 U.S. states. This rollout automates customer orders at the speaker and adapts dynamically to each restaurant’s menu and stock levels.
2. AI Technology and Capabilities
Omilia’s proprietary platform features advanced noise filtering to isolate customer speech, sub-second response latency to maintain order flow, and real-time menu updates tied to inventory data. These capabilities enable seamless integration with Taco Bell’s existing systems and support menu complexity across different locations.
3. Operational Impact and Strategy
Drive-thrus equipped with voice AI report transaction speeds on par with or exceeding traditional methods, while test locations show measurable improvements in employee retention. This deployment aligns with Yum Brands’ Byte by Yum initiative, reinforcing a broader digital strategy to enhance efficiency and guest engagement.
