Post by : Jyoti Gupta

Photo:Reuters

Starbucks is introducing a new technology called Green Dot Assist to help baristas work better and faster. This new tool is not a machine that makes coffee, but a smart assistant powered by artificial intelligence that helps baristas find quick answers to questions and problems while they work. Instead of flipping through manuals or asking coworkers, baristas can use iPads in the store to get instant help with things like shift planning, coaching tips, store performance, rules, fixing equipment, or even checking the ingredients of a seasonal drink.

This AI assistant is built using Microsoft Azure’s OpenAI platform, which means it uses advanced computer technology to understand and respond to baristas’ questions quickly and accurately. Starbucks announced this new tool at a big company event called Leadership Experience 2025 in Las Vegas, where more than 14,000 Starbucks leaders from across North America gathered to learn and share ideas. The company’s CEO, Brian Niccol, spoke there about how Starbucks plans to improve by using technology to help both workers and customers.

Green Dot Assist will first be tested in 35 Starbucks stores, and if it works well, it will be available in all Starbucks stores in the United States and Canada during the 2026 fiscal year. This is part of a bigger plan by Starbucks to use technology to improve the experience for both baristas and customers. Last year, Brian Niccol became the CEO and said he wants to help Starbucks grow by focusing on great coffee, better service, and smart technology.

Starbucks was one of the first companies to let customers order coffee ahead using a mobile app. Today, about one-third of all Starbucks orders in the US are made through the app. However, the app has had some problems like wrong wait times and crowded stores, which can make picking up orders confusing. Starbucks wants to fix these issues and make the app better.

At the same event, Starbucks also announced a new point-of-sale system. This is the technology baristas use to take orders and pay customers. The new system will be easier to learn, reduce mistakes in making drinks, and help baristas work faster. It will also help break down language barriers and allow for more personalized service for customers.

Overall, Starbucks is focusing on using smart technology like Green Dot Assist and the new point-of-sale system to help baristas do their jobs better. This means customers can get their coffee faster and with better quality, while baristas can spend more time connecting with customers and less time dealing with problems behind the scenes. The company wants to bring back the things that made it famous: great handcrafted coffee, friendly service, and a strong focus on doing things well.