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Starbucks is integrating artificial intelligence into its daily operations as part of a broader plan to enhance efficiency and customer experience. CEO Brian Niccol confirmed the company’s AI-driven direction during Salesforce’s Dreamforce 2025 event in San Francisco, according to Fortune.
Niccol explained that Starbucks is developing internal technologies designed to help baristas prepare drinks in real time — and potentially predict customers’ orders before they even place them. While the company is still in the learning and experimentation phase, Niccol emphasized that AI is already helping Starbucks pursue its ambition of becoming “the world’s great customer service company again.”
The “Green Dot Assist”
One of the company’s most advanced tools so far is called Green Dot Assist, described as a “barista assistant.” Piloted in June and now rolled out to additional stores, it operates as a chatbot-like system that supports store leaders in day-to-day operations — including guidance on drink preparation, troubleshooting equipment issues, and managing workflow.
A Starbucks spokesperson told TODAY.com that the tool is intended to assist employees rather than replace them, helping make their work smoother and more efficient.
Predictive Coffee Ordering
Niccol also noted that the Starbucks app remains central to the company’s AI strategy. He outlined a future scenario where customers might not even need to open the app — instead, they could simply say, “Hey, I need my Starbucks order. I’ll be there in 10 minutes,” and the AI system would have the drink ready upon arrival.
Despite these advancements, Niccol clarified that Starbucks is “not near” the stage of using a fully robotic workforce. The company, he said, remains committed to a “real craft” experience by having more human partners in stores to serve customers personally rather than relying on automation.
The Broader AI Movement in Coffee
Starbucks is not alone in exploring AI integration. At Hudson Yards in New York City, an AI-powered robotic barista named Jarvis is already preparing drinks for customers — even engaging with them via gestures and conversation before requesting a tip.
As AI technology continues to evolve, coffee chains around the world are experimenting with automation to strike a balance between innovation and preserving the artistry that defines the coffee experience.
