Yum China has launched Q-Smart Agent, its first hands-free AI assistant built for restaurant managers. Unveiled during the company’s inaugural AI Day, the tool is now in trial at select KFC locations and expected to roll out more broadly after feedback is collected.
Q‑Smart handles over 20 tasks, from scheduling and inventory to automated reordering, security checks, and production management. It also offers real-time data analysis and decision support, taking over time-consuming work like sales forecasting and sending timely prompts to managers. Staff interact with the AI using wearable devices and voice commands—boosting efficiency while keeping hands free for food safety.
“Q-Smart is not just an AI tool—it is a potential game-changer for how restaurants can be managed,” said Yum China CTO Leila Zhang. “We believe that Q-Smart will not only help Yum China improve its operational efficiency, but can also serve as an example for the digital transformation and smart development of the catering industry.”
Since early 2023, Yum China has been rolling out generative AI across its systems. Zhang noted that the goal isn’t to replace staff, but to free them from repetitive tasks. “We’ve led the charge before—with mobile ordering in 2013 and digital payments in over 5,000 stores by 2015.” As AI-human collaboration becomes the norm, bringing smart tools into real-world restaurant settings may prove key to boosting both efficiency and customer engagement.