Jun 8, 2026, 20:21

AI in Shops and Restaurants

商店與餐廳中的AI

Introduction

Big companies now use AI. AI helps them work faster and talk to customers.

大公司現在使用AI。AI幫助他們提高工作效率並與客戶溝通。

Main Body

Walmart uses AI tools. Many workers use these tools to solve problems. Some workers are unhappy. They say the AI makes them work too hard.

Walmart 使用 AI 工具。許多員工使用這些工具來解決問題。但有些員工並不開心，他們認為 AI 讓他們工作過於辛苦。

McDonald's uses a new AI system for orders. It works in five places in the US. It is very fast. But some people miss talking to real humans.

McDonald's 使用一套新的 AI 系統來處理訂單。該系統目前在美國五個地點運作，速度非常快。但有些人表示想念與真人對話的感覺。

Korn Ferry says some offices use AI when workers are sick. The AI reads emails and writes reports. But some experts worry about private data and safety.

Korn Ferry 表示，有些辦公室在員工請病假時會使用 AI。AI 會閱讀電子郵件並撰寫報告。但部分專家擔心私隱數據與安全性問題。

Conclusion

Companies want to use AI to grow. But they must also help their workers and customers.

公司希望利用 AI 來成長，但他們也必須照顧好員工與客戶。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'Action' Pattern

Look at how these sentences work. They follow a simple path: Who $\rightarrow$ Does $\rightarrow$ What.

Walmart $\rightarrow$ uses $\rightarrow$ AI tools.
The AI $\rightarrow$ reads $\rightarrow$ emails.
Companies $\rightarrow$ want $\rightarrow$ to grow.

Quick Rule for A2: If the 'Who' is one person or one thing (like Walmart or The AI), add an -s to the action word: Use $\rightarrow$ Uses | Read $\rightarrow$ Reads

Opposite Feelings

Notice these two words used to show different sides of the story:

Fast (Good/Positive) $\rightarrow$ "It is very fast."
Unhappy (Bad/Negative) $\rightarrow$ "Some workers are unhappy."

Vocabulary Learning

customer (n.)

A person who buys goods or services from a shop or business

Example:The shop assistant helped the customer find a shirt.

solve (v.)

To find an answer to a problem

Example:I need to solve this math problem for my homework.

system (n.)

A set of things working together as a mechanism or organization

Example:The new computer system is very fast.

expert (n.)

A person who has a lot of knowledge about a subject

Example:She is an expert in computer science.

private (adj.)

Something that is only for one person or group and not for everyone

Example:Please do not read my private letters.

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

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.

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."
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..."
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.

The Integration of Artificial Intelligence within Global Retail, Food Service, and Corporate Administrative Frameworks

人工智能在全球零售、餐飲及企業行政框架中的整合

Introduction

Major commercial entities and consultancy firms are increasingly deploying artificial intelligence to optimize operational efficiency, customer interaction, and workforce management.

大型商業實體與顧問公司正日益部署人工智能，以優化營運效率、客戶互動及人力資源管理。

Main Body

The retail sector, exemplified by Walmart, has adopted a decentralized approach to AI implementation. By deploying tools such as the 'Code Puppy' agent, the organization facilitates the creation of bespoke technical solutions by employees across various hierarchical levels, from software engineers to logistics personnel. This strategy is complemented by a credentialing program developed in conjunction with OpenAI to enhance employee proficiency. Furthermore, AI is being utilized to optimize logistics, such as the synchronization of food preparation in delivery partnerships and the application of multimodal analysis to extract emotional registers from consumer feedback. However, this transition has encountered internal resistance; a shareholder proposal supported by United for Respect alleged that AI-driven workflows impose unrealistic productivity expectations on frontline staff.

零售業（以 Walmart 為例）在實施 AI 時採取了去中心化的做法。透過部署如 ''Code Puppy'' 等代理工具，組織方便了從軟體工程師到物流人員等各個層級的員工創建量身定制的技術解決方案。此策略由與 OpenAI 共同開發的認證計劃補充，旨在提升員工的熟練度。此外，AI 正被用於優化物流，例如在配送合作夥伴中同步食物準備時間，以及應用多模態分析來提取消費者回饋中的情感特徵。然而，這一轉型遇到了內部阻力；一份由 United for Respect 支持的股東提案指稱，AI 驅動的工作流程對前線員工施加了不切實際的生產力期望。

In the quick-service restaurant industry, McDonald's has commenced a second iteration of AI-integrated ordering via the 'Archy IQ' system, developed with Google. Following the cessation of a previous AI voice-ordering pilot due to systemic inaccuracies, the current trial in five US locations reports a 90% success rate in transactions without human intervention. The system is designed to function as a managerial assistant to identify operational bottlenecks and potentially utilize customer recognition. Despite these technical advancements, public reception remains polarized, with some consumers expressing apprehension regarding the erosion of human interaction and the potential for future workforce displacement.

在快餐產業中，McDonald''s 透過與 Google 共同開發的 ''Archy IQ'' 系統，開始了 AI 整合點餐的第二次迭代。在先前因系統不準確而停止 AI 語音點餐試行後，目前在美國五個地點的試驗報告顯示，無需人工干預的交易成功率達 90%。該系統旨在作為管理助手，以識別營運瓶頸並可能利用客戶識別功能。儘管有這些技術進步，公眾反應依然兩極，部分消費者對人類互動的削弱以及未來可能的人力取代表示擔憂。

Parallel to these industry-specific applications, the management consulting firm Korn Ferry has identified a trend toward utilizing AI agents for administrative continuity during employee absences. These tools are employed to manage correspondence, synthesize research, and summarize documentation to mitigate productivity deficits. While such applications facilitate a more seamless return to professional duties, cybersecurity experts and analysts suggest that this reliance may introduce risks concerning data privacy, professional competence, and the potential for systemic decay in the absence of human oversight.

與這些行業特定應用平行，管理顧問公司 Korn Ferry 發現了一種趨勢，即利用 AI 代理在員工請假期間維持行政連續性。這些工具被用於管理往來郵件、綜合研究並摘要文件，以減輕生產力缺口。雖然此類應用使回歸專業職責更加順暢，但網絡安全專家和分析師建議，這種依賴可能會帶來關於數據隱私、專業能力以及在缺乏人類監督下可能出現系統性衰退的風險。

Conclusion

The current landscape is characterized by a systemic shift toward AI-driven automation, balanced between the pursuit of operational scalability and the management of workforce and consumer concerns.

目前的格局是以系統性轉向 AI 驅動自動化為特徵，在追求營運可擴展性與管理員工及消費者憂慮之間取得平衡。

Vocabulary Learning

The Architecture of Nominalization and 'Staticity' in C2 Prose

To ascend from B2 to C2, a student must shift from narrating actions (dynamic) to describing states and systems (static). The provided text is a masterclass in High-Density Nominalization—the process of turning verbs (actions) into nouns (concepts) to create an academic, authoritative distance.

⧉ The Morphological Shift

Observe how the text avoids simple subject-verb-object patterns in favor of complex noun phrases:

B2 approach: "Companies are using AI to make things more efficient." (Dynamic/Simple)
C2 approach: "...deploying artificial intelligence to optimize operational efficiency..." (Static/Conceptual)

By transforming the action 'to be efficient' into the noun phrase 'operational efficiency', the writer shifts the focus from the doer to the phenomenon. This is the hallmark of C2 academic discourse.

⚡ Linguistic Precision: The 'Collocational Anchor'

At the C2 level, vocabulary is not about 'big words,' but about precise collocation. Note the following pairings in the text that anchor the nominalized structures:

Systemic $\rightarrow$ inaccuracies / decay / shift Operational $\rightarrow$ efficiency / bottlenecks / scalability Administrative $\rightarrow$ continuity / frameworks

These adjectives do not merely describe; they categorize the noun within a specific professional register. Using "big mistakes" (B2) versus "systemic inaccuracies" (C2) changes the entire epistemological weight of the sentence.

🧩 Syntactic Compression

Look at the phrase: "...the application of multimodal analysis to extract emotional registers from consumer feedback."

Deconstruction of the compression:

The application of (Abstract noun replacing "They applied")
multimodal analysis (Technical compound noun)
to extract emotional registers (Infinitival phrase acting as a functional modifier)

This structure allows the author to pack four distinct ideas (the act, the method, the goal, and the source) into a single clause without losing grammatical cohesion. This "density" is what separates a proficient user from a master user.

Vocabulary Learning

bespoke (adj.)

Specially made for a particular user or purpose; custom-made.

Example:The company invested in bespoke software to handle its unique inventory requirements.

multimodal (adj.)

Characterized by several different modes of activity or occurrence, particularly in AI referring to the processing of multiple types of input like text, image, and audio.

Example:The new AI model uses multimodal analysis to interpret both the tone of a customer's voice and their facial expressions.

registers (n.)

The specific range or variety of a language or emotional tone used in a particular social or professional setting.

Example:The analyst studied the emotional registers of the feedback to determine the level of consumer frustration.

cessation (n.)

The fact or process of ending or being brought to an end.

Example:The cessation of the pilot program was necessary after the system failed to meet accuracy standards.

bottlenecks (n.)

Situations that cause delay in a process or system, typically due to a limited capacity at a specific stage.

Example:The manager identified several operational bottlenecks in the kitchen that slowed down order fulfillment.

polarized (adj.)

Divided into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs.

Example:Public opinion on the use of AI in healthcare remains deeply polarized.

mitigate (v.)

To make something bad less severe, serious, or painful.

Example:The new administrative tools were implemented to mitigate the loss of productivity during staff absences.

systemic decay (n.)

The gradual decline or failure of an entire system or organization due to internal weaknesses or lack of oversight.

Example:Experts warned that over-reliance on automation could lead to systemic decay in critical thinking skills among employees.

Practice All words in a crossword→