- Yum China (YUMC, Financial) launches Q-Smart, an AI-powered assistant, enhancing restaurant management through hands-free operation.
- Q-Smart is being piloted in select KFC stores, with a broad rollout planned after feedback incorporation.
- A newly established 100 million yuan ($13.9 million) Frontline Innovation Fund emphasizes Yum China's commitment to innovation and employee development.
Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) has debuted Q-Smart, an innovative AI-driven assistant designed to aid restaurant managers, marking a substantial leap in their digital transformation journey. This new tool facilitates the management of tasks such as labor scheduling, inventory management, and safety inspections through voice commands on wearable devices, including smart watches and wireless earphones.
Currently, Q-Smart is being tested in select KFC locations. This pilot phase will collect user feedback to refine the system for a broader rollout. Utilized effectively, Q-Smart aims to streamline operations, offering managers real-time operational support and decision-making aid through natural language processing.
This launch coincides with Yum China's announcement of a 100 million yuan ($13.9 million) Frontline Innovation Fund. The fund is dedicated to bolstering frontline employee support and fostering technological innovation within the company. This move follows in the footsteps of previous AI implementations, such as the Super Brain tool in 2021 and Pocket Managers in 2022, which further illustrates Yum China's focused approach to technological advancement.
Yum China's digital ecosystem, which includes over 540 million members in its loyalty program as of March 2025, underscores the company's strong customer engagement. This robust digital infrastructure supports the seamless integration of AI tools like Q-Smart, positioning Yum China at the forefront of innovation in the restaurant industry.
