Tag: AI

Yango Group Robots to Serve Coffee at Soil Café in Dubai

Posted on by Qahwa World
Dubai – Qahwa World

Yango Group robots will deliver coffee to guests at Soil Café on Kite Beach in Dubai from May 8 to 10, bringing the company’s robotics technology into an everyday café setting.

From 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm Yango Group robots will deliver drinks directly to customers, while Yasmina, the company’s AI assistant, will help staff with simple tasks such as answering questions, recommending drinks, and supporting order requests.

The setup is designed to reduce pressure on staff during busy periods and improve service flow, demonstrating how AI and robotics can handle routine interactions while employees focus on higher-value, human-led service. Taking place in a live café environment, the experience also provides a practical demo at how these technologies can be applied across hospitality and retail sectors, where demand for efficiency and scalable service models continues to grow.

Another experiment being conducted by Sweden: Sweden Experiments With a Café Run by an AI Manager

Yango’s delivery robots are already being deployed across urban environments, supporting last-mile logistics and food delivery operations. Designed to navigate sidewalks and pedestrian areas autonomously, they can carry multiple orders, optimize delivery routes, and operate in high-density city settings. In the GCC, Yango Group has partnered with noon to scale autonomous delivery, reflecting growing interest in robotics as a solution to rising demand in e-commerce and food delivery.

Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head of Yango Group Middle East, said: “Dubai is one of the most dynamic markets globally for testing new technologies, with high customer expectations and a strong appetite for innovation. It’s a natural place to show how AI and robotics can work in real service environments, supporting staff during peak times, improving speed and consistency, and helping businesses manage growing demand. We show how Yango Group technology can help staff to focus on what matters most: customer interaction and experience.”

The Soil Café experience forms part of Yango’s broader efforts to develop practical AI solutions across everyday use cases, including mobility, logistics, and customer service.

Starbucks Tests ChatGPT Integration to Help Customers Choose Drinks

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Starbucks is experimenting with a new ChatGPT integration designed to help customers decide what to order and customize their drinks before using the Starbucks app.

Starting April 15, users can tag @starbucks inside ChatGPT to activate a beta experience connected to the coffee chain. The feature allows people to describe what they’re in the mood for—such as cravings, feelings, or even images—and receive tailored drink suggestions.

For example, a prompt like “@starbucks, I’m looking for an iced pick-me-up” could return options such as an Iced Dragon Energy Drink along with other menu recommendations.

According to Paul Riedel, senior vice president of digital and loyalty at Starbucks, the idea reflects a shift in customer behavior. “Customers aren’t always starting with a menu. They’re starting with a feeling,” he said in a blog post announcing the feature.

The integration is designed not only to suggest drinks but also to encourage discovery of lesser-known menu items. Users can refine recommendations, customize their selections, and place orders through the Starbucks app.

Starbucks joins other retailers, including Etsy and Walmart, that are integrating ChatGPT into shopping and discovery experiences as consumers increasingly use AI tools for recommendations.

Riedel described the goal as meeting customers at the moment of inspiration, making it easier to find a drink that fits their preferences.

The rollout is part of Starbucks’ broader “Back to Starbucks” strategy aimed at improving sales and customer engagement. The company recently reported its first U.S. sales growth in two years, alongside continued investment in AI.

However, the announcement has also drawn criticism online. Some users questioned the need for AI assistance in choosing coffee, arguing that ChatGPT can already provide similar suggestions without direct integration into Starbucks systems.

The experiment highlights the growing role of AI in retail experiences—and ongoing debate about how far that integration should go.