Yum! China pilots Q-Smart, an AI-enabled hands-free assistant to revolutionize restaurant management

CHINA – Yum! China has launched a pilot program for Q-Smart, an innovative AI-powered assistant designed to transform restaurant management by providing intelligent support across key operational areas.

This cutting-edge tool aids managers with inventory control, labor scheduling, and food safety inspections, enhancing decision-making and streamlining daily workflows.

Unlike traditional systems that require manual interaction with touchscreens or computers, Q-Smart enables hands-free communication through wearable devices such as smartwatches and wireless earphones.

Utilizing natural language processing, the assistant allows managers to issue voice commands and receive real-time responses, freeing their hands to focus on critical tasks within the restaurant environment.

Q-Smart continuously monitors inventory levels, aligning them with sales forecasts to prompt timely ordering and replenishment, thereby optimizing stock management and reducing waste.

The system also facilitates hands-free equipment inspections and inventory counts, drawing upon Yum! China’s extensive operational knowledge base to provide immediate guidance and solutions for urgent issues.

Currently undergoing trials at select KFC outlets, the pilot phase aims to gather user feedback to refine the tool before broader deployment.

Yum! China’s Chief Technology Officer, Leila Zhang, highlighted the potential impact of Q-Smart, stating, “We believe that Q-Smart will not only improve operational efficiency but also exemplify the digital transformation and intelligent development of the catering industry.”

Yum! China operates more than 16,600 restaurants across over 2,200 cities in China, including flagship brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, and emerging concepts like COFFii & JOY.

The company reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2025, with a 7% increase in operating profit to $399 million and same-store sales growth for the ninth consecutive quarter.

Digital sales now represent 93% of total company sales, with delivery sales growing 13% year-over-year, underscoring the company’s successful digital transformation strategy.

The company’s world-class digital supply chain, featuring an extensive network of logistics centers and in-house management systems, supports Q-Smart’s capabilities by ensuring efficient inventory and resource management.

Yum! China’s commitment to innovation is further reflected in its recognition as a top employer in China and its leadership in sustainability, ranking number one globally in the Restaurant & Leisure Facilities Industry on the 2024 Dow Jones Sustainability Index.

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