Starbucks has stepped away from an AI-powered inventory counting tool that automated product counts in its stores, as first reported by Reuters.
The technology combines computer vision and 3D spatial intelligence to scan items like milk, syrups and other beverage ingredients. Employees held a tablet up to shelves while the system automatically counted products.
Developed by NomadGo, Starbucks said when the system was announced in September it had already been deployed in thousands of company-owned coffeehouses.
“We are continuously learning from customer and user feedback,” NomadGo said in a statement.
Reuters reported the system occasionally miscounted or mislabeled products. Starbucks did not directly address those claims, but stated the decision to discontinue was made to “standardize how inventory is counted across coffeehouses as we continue to focus on consistency and execution at scale.”
The onset of the tool was part of CEO Brian Niccol’s “Back to Starbucks” turnaround. However, it highlights the challenges restaurants face as they adopt AI.
Several restaurant brands have adjusted their AI strategies in recent years. McDonald’s ended its drive-thru voice AI pilot with IBM in 2024, while Taco Bell slowed the rollout of similar technology last year.
Meanwhile, Shake Shack recently unveiled Project Catalyst, a companywide technology initiative that includes AI-powered analytics.
Starbucks did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
