Fast and accurate drone food deliveries, 3D printing of unappetising food into nutritious meals, and biometric diner recognition. These are some of the new technologies under development as the restaurant sector rapidly gets set to satisfy the seismic shift in consumer expectations for a great customer experience.

That’s according to Restaurant 2025, a global research study conducted by Oracle which has identified key consumer attitudes to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, drones, 3D printing, biometrics, voice activated responses and virtual reality, all of which destined to reshape the dining experience. The Oracle Restaurant 2025 report audited 250 restaurant operators and 702 consumers in February 2017 on their reactions to technology’s role in the guest experience over the next eight years.

Overall, insights from the report highlight that consumers are most willing to engage with brands with new technology if they feel that they are in control of their experience and enjoy a personal experience. Indeed, as disruptive technologies continue to make an impact, anticipating consumer trends and implementing new innovations that enhance guest experiences will reshape business and be vital in ensuring success.

Key Restaurant 2025 report findings include:

Recognition and Personalisation Will be a Driver for Future Technologies

Consumers are Warming to Voice-Activated Experiences

Robots Won’t be Replacing Hospitality Staff Anytime Soon

Operators Begin To Consider Investment in Wearable Technology

3D Printing on the Menu

Virtual Reality Becomes A Reality

The Drones Are Coming

Finally, the report highlights that 60 per cent of restaurant operators said restaurant location planning using artificial intelligence would be mainstream or in mass adoption by 2025 with potential applications also including menu planning for personalised nutrition plans, waitlist and capacity management, dynamic prep times and seating planning and forecasting.

“Restaurant 2020 suggests that consumers want a continued human connection with their food and beverage of choice despite the emergence of new technologies. However, consumers are most willing to engage brands with new technology if they feel that they are in control of their experience,” said Christopher Adams, Vice President Sales - Food & Beverage at Oracle Hospitality Asia Pacific.

“The path forward will rely on technologies that make restaurants smarter, accelerate service and importantly, personalise experiences for each and every consumer.”

The Restaurant 2025 report can be downloaded here: https://go.oracle.com/LP=48665?elqCampaignId=90339