Starbucks Pilots AI Barista Assistant in U.S. Stores

Starbucks is piloting Green Dot Assist, a generative AI tool developed with Microsoft Azure's OpenAI platform, in 35 U.S. stores to help baristas streamline operations and improve customer service. The AI assistant provides instant, conversational help through in-store iPads, offering support with drink recipes, shift planning, troubleshooting, and customer recommendations. Starbucks plans a broader rollout in the U.S. and Canada in fiscal 2026. The technology aims to reduce service times, address understaffing, and ease mobile order congestion. At the Leadership Experience event in Las Vegas, CEO Brian Niccol highlighted technology as central to simplifying operations and strengthening customer connections. Future updates to Green Dot Assist will include features like automating IT tickets and staffing solutions.