FI Fast Break audio news: Aug. 14, 2024

The latest Food Institute Fast Break news podcast touches on Chili’s eye-opening quarterly earnings report.

Is Self-Checkout a Consumer Terminator? Retail, Robots, and More in 2024

There’s also an interesting feedback loop occurring in American consumerism – the tighter the budget becomes, and the more stressed people feel, the more demands they have regarding how they’d like to be accommodated while shopping.

2024 Tech & Digital Trends in Restaurant & Retail: Part 1

There is no new normal and innovation will continue to advance at lightning speed.

FI Fast Break audio news: Nov. 16, 2022

The latest FI news podcast updates the push toward automation throughout multiple elements of the food industry.

Experts: Huge Opportunities Exist in Tech-enabled Ag

As agriculture moves towards automation, what technologies and best practices will lead the way? In a recent FI webinar, Agritecture founder and CEO Henry Gordon-Smith and Tortuga AgTech CEO Eric Adamson outlined the current state of ag tech.

Robots Can Benefit Grocers If They Can Master the Process

Retailers including Walmart and Kroger have embraced in-store robots to help keep stores clean on a consistent schedule, and the automated tools offer benefits for any retailer to enhance its operations.

Execs: Food Industry on Verge of Major Tech Transformation

The food industry is on the precipice of a tectonic shift, according to industry insiders. Technology is the driving force behind the projected change.

FI Exclusive: Q&A with Simbe Robotics CEO Brad Bogolea

When it comes to inventory management, few companies are automating the process for retailers like Simbe Robotics. The company’s “Tally” autonomous retail robot scans product inventory on shelves and connects data points to ensure products …

What Will the Key Restaurant Tech Investments Be in 2022?

From robots to scheduling software, restaurants are implementing all types of new technology into their operations of late. With so many new developments this year, The Food Institute decided to take a closer look at …

WATCH: Cutting Edge Food Tech Displayed at Winter Olympics

With the Winter Olympics underway this week, we’ve been getting a glimpse at some technological innovations used to feed the thousands of athletes in attendance. Robotic technology is helping serve athletes in Beijing, for example. …

Robotics Advancing Across Foodservice, Delivery, Agriculture

What seemed like something straight out of science fiction just a few years ago is quickly becoming a reality for the food industry. Robots are now doing everything from picking, preparing and delivering supplies. With …

Warehouse Operators Get Creative to Prep for Hectic Holiday Season

As they brace for what’s expected to be intense holiday demand, warehouse operators are boosting pay, acquiring more talent, and enlisting robots, reported The Wall Street Journal (Sept. 26). TALENT ACQUISITION PUSH Demand for distribution …

Robotics Emerging in Food Industry as Labor Shortage Persists

Are robots about to take over? A quick glance at headlines recently makes one wonder. Elon Musk recently unveiled plans for life-like humanoid robots designed to take over “boring” work from humans, for instance. Though …

Agriculture Is Embracing Automation with Robotics and Drones

As recent headlines suggest, the agriculture industry is embracing new forms of automation. Here’s a look at a few companies offering innovative solutions to producers. AUTONOMOUS WEEDING ROBOT Startup Carbon Robotics revealed the latest iteration …

Amazon, Walmart Taking Different Approaches on Retail Technology

Amazon-owned grocery stores are poised for a technology upgrade, specifically in checkout. AUTOMATION Amazon is bringing automated checkout technology to full-size supermarkets, reported Bloomberg (April 22). Planning documents for a store under construction in Brookfield, …

Walmart and Ocado Make Opposing Moves with Robots

Walmart decided to stop using robots that move through the aisles checking inventory levels and prices after seeing the results from about 500 stores. In January, the retailer announced plans to expand use of the …

AI is Becoming a Tasty Proposition for Consumers / Businesses

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is turning the world upside down as technology is advancing in leaps and bounds during these turbulent times. And AI is ever present among many areas of the food industry. Firmenich, one …

Going the ‘Extra’ Last Mile for Deliveries

As delivery becomes more crucial in business, companies are always innovating to find the ideal way to complete the last mile. Amazon Prime’s free and fast shipping set the bar for the industry. During the …