Yum China Launches AI Tool To Improve Efficiency

China's Yum Holdings announced on Friday June 20 that it launched an AI-based touchless assistant tool called Q-Smart at certain KFC outlets. This innovation aims to increase operational efficiency.

The company that manages the Yum Brands franchise like Taco Bell and Pizza Hut explains that Q-Smart is designed to assist restaurant managers in various tasks, including staff scheduling, inventory management, and food quality inspections.

The launch follows an AI-based initiative previously carried out by Yum's parent company, such as the Byte by Yum! software launched in February 2025, which focuses on reducing waiting times in restaurants and increasing delivery speed.

Yum China said that the initial phase of Q-Smart pilots would be evaluated and improved based on user input before launching more widely in the future.