Starbucks and Alibaba launch AI-powered food delivery service in China

Customers can now order simply by speaking to Alibaba’s smart speaker Tmall Genie.

Starbucks and Alibaba has launched AI voice-ordering and delivery services in China through Alibaba’s smart speaker, Tmall Genie.

Through Tmall Genie, customers can place an order using their only their voice and can track their order in real-time within the 30-minute delivery timeframe. The smart speaker is powered by Alibaba’s speech AI and voice print payment technology.

The service leverages Alibaba’s on-demand food delivery platform, Ele.me, which Alibaba launched food and delivery service in the platform earlier this year.

Also read: Alibaba acquires Chinese delivery startup Ele.me in $9.5b deal

Its launch marks the one-year anniversary of Starbucks and Alibaba’s partnership in China. Earlier, the two collaborated on establishing back-of-house kitchens, Star Kitchens, within Alibaba’s Freshippo supermarkets in China, amongst other projects to expand Starbuck’s footprint in China.

Starbucks Rewards members also can earn stars and receive membership updates, including benefits, on the Tmall Genie.

“Soon, members will be able to receive personalized recommendations when using voice commands to place orders that are tailored to previous order preferences and popular items from Starbucks seasonal menu,” said Starbucks in a statement.

Chinese customers utilising the AI service woul also be able to listen to the latest Starbucks in-store playlists through Alibaba’s music streaming app, Xiami Music.

Also read: Starbucks-Alibaba partnership unveils first virtual store in China

Additionally, an exclusive Starbucks-themed Tmall Genie is available through the Starbucks virtual store in China.

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