Augmented Reality Set to Transform Food Delivery within Five Years
A
Foodhub CEO predicts augmented takeaways will be the new way to order food
ugmented reality (AR) will transform food delivery
“Since the Covid-19 pandemic, people’s ordering habits
within the next five years as the industry prepares
have changed, and technology such as this will revitalise
for a technological evolution, according to the
the industry in a way we haven’t seen for a long time.”
Foodhub CEO.
As progress is made developing this software, Foodhub
Ardian Mula says AR will enable customers to experience
is also placing significant resource into improving the
the sights, sounds and possibly even smells, of their
technology available to independent takeaways right now,
favourite takeaway, allowing customers the full takeaway
with the aim of using technology to improve efficiency,
experience without leaving the house.
order levels and profitability.
This year, Foodhub bosses have put plans in place for the
Mr Mula said: “Whilst larger chains have had access to
development of AR within the business, placing the food
different technologies for some time, at Foodhub we want
delivery company at the forefront of the tech revolution.
to see a level playing field across the big players within the
Mr Mula says that many of the 20,000 restaurants and
industry and local high street takeaways.”
takeaways currently partnered with his Stoke-on-Trent-
Meanwhile, it’s possible that takeaways will soon become
based firm could have access to the tech within just five
entirely cashless, with more affordable technology such as
years. He sees the development as a win-win for both
pay by QR becoming the norm.
consumer, who will enjoy a never-before-seen buying
Mr Mula commented: “QR codes can be printed for
experience, and the trader, with access to a new and
pennies, a stark contrast to expensive payment hardware.
exciting marketing tool.
In global markets such as India, there has been a big
Mr Mula commented: “I see this technology as being
emphasis placed on providing businesses with these more
a game changer for both the industry and the takeaway
affordable technologies, and we see a big opportunity to
consumer. Imagine as a consumer if you could have the
providing business owners with the chance to save on tech
full takeaway experience, using just your smartphone and
and instead invest elsewhere.”
a pair of goggles?
In fact, deploying software online will reduce the
“This could allow customers to effectively walk into a
need for takeaway owners to rely on hardware across
takeaway and get the full flavour of the business, from the
the board. Fusion 2.0, an exciting update to Foodhub’s
branding to the shop interior. They could then ‘shop’ their
software system currently in trial with 100 takeaways
own order, from building a burger to picking a pizza off the
nationally, will see traditional tools such as tills and
shelf, as well as interacting with staff – all from the comfort
printers being replaced with the need for only one
of their own living room.
device, such as an iPhone or iPad.
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Fastfood Professional • February and March 2022
February and March 2022 • Fastfood Professional
26
