DELIVERY TECHNOLOGY
Augmented reality set to transform food delivery within five years Augmented reality (AR) will transform food delivery within the next five years as the industry prepares for a technological evolution, according to the Foodhub’s CEO, Ardian Mula. SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND SMELLS Ardian Mula says AR will enable customers to experience the sights, sounds and possibly even the smells, of their favourite takeaway, allowing customers the full takeaway experience without leaving the house. In fact, this year, Foodhub bosses report that they have put plans in place for the development of AR within the business, placing the food delivery company at the forefront of the tech revolution, they claim. Ardian Mula says that many of the 20,000 restaurants and takeaways currently partnered with his Stoke-onTrent-based firm could have access to the tech within just five years. He sees the development as a win-win for both consumer, who will enjoy a never before seen buying experience, and the trader with access to a new and exciting 38
marketing tool. “I see this technology as being a game changer for both the industry and the takeaway consumer. Imagine as a consumer if you could have the full takeaway experience, using just your smartphone and a pair of goggles?” says Ardian Mula. “This could allow customers to effectively walk into a takeaway and get the full flavour of the business, from the branding to the shop interior. They could then ‘shop’ their own order, from building a burger to picking a pizza off the shelf, as well as interacting with staff – all from the comfort of their own living room. “Since the Covid-19 pandemic, people’s ordering habits have changed, and technology such as this will revitalise the industry in a way we haven’t seen for a long time.”
As progress is made developing this software, Foodhub says that it is also placing significant resource into improving the technology available to independent takeaways right now, with the aim of using technology to improve efficiency, order levels and profitability. Ardian Mula adds: “Whilst larger chains have had access to different technologies for some time, at Foodhub we want to see a level playing field across the big players within the industry and local high street takeaways.” QR CODES THE NORM? Meanwhile, it’s possible that takeaways will soon become entirely cashless, with more affordable technology such as pay by QR becoming the norm. “QR codes can be printed for pennies, a stark contrast to expensive payment December 2021
