Jack in the Box to pilot kitchen robots
Robots will be popping up back-of-house at a leading quick-service hamburger chain.
Jack in the Box will test Miso Robotics Flippy 2 and Sippy automated kitchen robots at a standalone location in San Diego, with possible plans for further integration in the months ahead. Built on the Miso platform, both robotic solutions leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision and data analytics to automate routine in commercial kitchen tasks.
Through the installation of Flippy 2 and Sippy, Jack in the Box will test the integration of both products into its operations and measure the benefits of a connected kitchen. Flippy 2 automates the work of a fry station, while Sippy automates drink station workflows.
Through this pilot, Jack in the Box hopes to see an immediate impact on the day-to-day responsibilities of store associates, by enabling them to spend less time at the fryer and drink stations and more time in front of customers.
Jack in the Box undergoes tech transformation
Jack in the Box has been revamping its enterprise infrastructure. In October 2021, the company deployed the mParticle Customer Data Platform (CDP) as its customer data infrastructure and the foundation of its marketing stack. The retailer intends this implementation to helping deliver real-time, personalized experiences to millions of customers.
In September 2021, the retailer entered the final implementation phase of the ParTech Punchh customer loyalty, offers and engagement solution. This will enable Jack in the Box to upgrade its online ordering interface and add a loyalty program to provide an upgraded app and digital experience for customers.
And in August 2020, Jack in the Box migrated its on-premises data centers to an Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud infrastructure, for purposes including offering new cloud-based customer experiences. The retailer is also leveraging AWS machine learning (ML) capabilities to obtain more detailed insight into customer tastes and habits for enhanced digital ordering, dining, and customer service experiences.
White Castle also deploys Miso robots
Meanwhile, another fast-casual restaurant retailer, burger chain White Castle, is also utilizing Miso Robotics technology in its kitchen. White Castle is currently expanding a pilot of a solution that automates the work of an entire fry station.
Following the fall 2020 deployment of a Miso Robotics Flippy robotic frying solution at a Chicagoland-area store and subsequent November 2021 upgrade to the new Flippy 2 version, White Castle is rolling the technology out to 100 new standalone locations. Specific benefits White Castle has received from the robot include being able to optimize staffing during late-night shifts for its 24-hour operations.
“This collaboration with Miso Robotics is a steppingstone for our back-of-house restaurant operations. We are confident that this technology will be a good fit to support our growing business needs with intentions of having a positive impact on our operations while promoting safety and comfort to our team members,” said Tony Darden, COO at Jack in the Box. “We are looking forward to testing Flippy 2 as our new hire at our San Diego location.”
“Beginning our journey with a premier brand like Jack in the Box is an enormous step in our commitment to helping restaurants increase throughput, reduce costs and create a safer environment for their staff,” said Mike Bell, CEO of Miso Robotics. “From tacos and curly fries to fountain sodas, the future is now for Jack in the Box, and we are ecstatic to serve as the company’s technological arm to assure a quality product gets into its customers' hands every time they order.”
Founded and headquartered in San Diego, Jack in the Box operates and franchises more than 2,200 restaurants in 21 U.S. states and Guam.