The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Global Retail, Food Service, and Corporate Offices

人工智能在全球零售、餐飲業與企業辦公室的應用

Jun 8, 2026, 20:21
GlobalTechnology

Introduction

Many large companies and consulting firms are now using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve their operational efficiency, customer service, and staff management.

許多大型公司與顧問公司目前正利用人工智能（AI）來提高營運效率、改善客戶服務及員工管理。

Main Body

In the retail sector, Walmart has taken a flexible approach to AI. By using tools like the 'Code Puppy' agent, the company allows employees at all levels—from software engineers to warehouse staff—to create their own technical solutions. To support this, Walmart worked with OpenAI to create a training program to improve employee skills. Furthermore, AI is being used to organize food delivery and analyze customer feedback to understand their emotions. However, some employees have resisted these changes; a group called United for Respect claimed that AI-driven workflows create unrealistic productivity goals for frontline workers.

在零售業中，Walmart 採取了靈活的人工智能方案。透過使用如 ''Code Puppy'' 代理等工具，公司允許從軟體工程師到倉庫人員等各級員工自行創建技術解決方案。為了支持這一點，Walmart 與 OpenAI 合作創建了一項培訓計劃以提升員工技能。此外，AI 被用於安排食物外送並分析客戶回饋以了解其情緒。然而，部分員工抵制這些改變；一個名為 United for Respect 的團體聲稱，AI 驅動的工作流程為前線工作者設定了不切實際的生產力目標。

Meanwhile, in the fast-food industry, McDonald's has started a new trial of AI ordering called 'Archy IQ,' developed with Google. After a previous attempt failed due to mistakes, the current trial in five US locations shows a 90% success rate for orders made without human help. The system also acts as a manager's assistant to find problems in the workflow. Despite these improvements, the public is divided, as some customers worry about the loss of human interaction and the possibility of job losses.

同時，在快餐業中，McDonald''s 與 Google 合作開發並開始了一項名為 ''Archy IQ'' 的 AI 點餐新試驗。在先前一次嘗試因錯誤而失敗後，目前在美國五個地點的試驗顯示，在無需人工協助的情況下，點餐成功率達 90%。該系統還可充當經理助理，以找出工作流程中的問題。儘管有這些進步，大眾看法分歧，部分顧客擔心失去人際互動以及失業的可能性。

Finally, the consulting firm Korn Ferry has noticed a trend where AI agents are used to handle administrative work when employees are absent. These tools manage emails, conduct research, and summarize documents to prevent a drop in productivity. While this makes it easier for staff to return to work, cybersecurity experts warn that relying on AI may create risks regarding data privacy and a lack of human oversight.

最後，顧問公司 Korn Ferry 注意到一個趨勢，即在員工缺勤時使用 AI 代理來處理行政工作。這些工具負責管理電子郵件、進行研究並總結文件，以防止生產力下降。雖然這讓員工更容易重返工作崗位，但網絡安全專家警告，依賴 AI 可能會在數據隱私方面帶來風險，且缺乏人類監督。

Conclusion

The current situation shows a major shift toward AI automation, as companies try to balance business growth with the concerns of their workers and customers.

目前的情況顯示，公司正大幅轉向 AI 自動化，試圖在業務增長與員工及顧客的顧慮之間取得平衡。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 The 'B2 Jump': Moving from Simple Facts to Complex Connections

At the A2 level, you tell me what happened. At the B2 level, you tell me how it connects and why it matters. The secret weapon in this text is the Logical Bridge (Connectors).

🔍 The Shift: From A2 to B2

A2 style (Simple): AI is used for delivery. Some employees do not like it.

B2 style (Connected): AI is being used to organize food delivery; however, some employees have resisted these changes.

🛠️ Tool Kit: The 'Nuance' Words

Notice how the article uses specific words to change the direction of the story. This is what makes a speaker sound professional and fluent.

  1. The Pivot (Contrast):

    • However / Despite
    • Use these when the second sentence surprises the reader or contradicts the first.
    • Example: "Despite these improvements, the public is divided."

  2. The Addition (Building):

    • Furthermore
    • Don't just say 'and'. Use this to add a stronger, more formal point.
    • Example: "Furthermore, AI is being used to organize food delivery..."

  3. The Transition (Moving focus):

    • Meanwhile
    • Use this to jump from one location or company to another without stopping the flow.
    • Example: "Meanwhile, in the fast-food industry..."

💡 Pro Tip for your Fluency

Stop using 'and', 'but', and 'so' for everything. If you replace 'but' with 'however' and 'and' with 'furthermore', you immediately sound like you have moved from a basic learner to an independent user of English.

Vocabulary Learning

operational efficiency (n.)
The ability of an organization to reduce waste of efforts, materials, and energy in order to produce a product or service
Example:The company introduced new software to improve its operational efficiency and reduce costs.
flexible (adj.)
Able to change or be changed easily according to the situation
Example:The manager has a flexible approach to working hours, allowing staff to start later in the morning.
resisted (v.)
To fight against something or refuse to accept a change
Example:Many employees resisted the new corporate policy because they felt it was unfair.
unrealistic (adj.)
Not reflecting the true situation or not possible to achieve
Example:Setting an unrealistic deadline often leads to stress and poor quality of work.
divided (adj.)
Disagreeing with each other; split into two or more opposing groups
Example:The committee was divided on whether to approve the budget for the next year.
administrative (adj.)
Relating to the running of a business, organization, etc., such as organizing and managing
Example:She spends most of her day doing administrative work, such as scheduling meetings and filing reports.
oversight (n.)
The responsibility for making sure that a job is done correctly
Example:The project requires strict human oversight to ensure that the AI does not make critical errors.
automation (n.)
The use of machines or computers to do work that was previously done by people
Example:The move toward automation in factories has significantly increased production speed.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→