Starbucks to Introduce AI Assistant for Baristas Using Microsoft Technology

Starbucks has announced plans to introduce a new AI-powered assistant to support baristas in its stores across the U.S. and Canada. The tool, called Green Dot Assist, was built using Microsoft Azure’s OpenAI platform and will begin rolling out to selected stores this month.

The AI assistant is part of Starbucks’ wider effort to simplify daily tasks for employees and improve service speed in stores. A full rollout is expected during the company’s 2026 fiscal year, which begins in the fall.

The technology was unveiled during Starbucks’ three-day Leadership Experience event in Las Vegas, where over 14,000 store managers gathered. Starbucks says Green Dot Assist will allow baristas to get fast answers to questions, such as how to prepare specific drinks or fix equipment issues. The tool works by typing or speaking questions into a tablet behind the counter.

Instead of searching through printed manuals or internal websites, baristas will be able to ask the assistant directly. The company believes this will reduce confusion, speed up service, and help improve employee experience in busy cafes.

Starbucks' Chief Technology Officer said the assistant is designed to make operations smoother and to give partners, Starbucks’ term for its employees, more support in real time. As the system evolves, it may also help create IT support tickets or suggest staffing solutions when someone calls out of work.

The company’s move to adopt generative AI follows a growing trend among major employers looking to improve efficiency through advanced technology. Other companies, including Walmart and JPMorgan Chase, have already introduced similar tools for their staff. In the restaurant industry, brands like Yum! have explored AI for order-taking and operational analysis, while others like McDonald’s have ended early partnerships after testing.

To ensure accuracy, Starbucks has included a system that verifies the AI’s responses. This feature helps avoid incorrect answers, a known issue with some AI tools.

Alongside the AI assistant, Starbucks is also introducing updated espresso machines and a new point-of-sale system. These tools aim to reduce training time and allow baristas to provide more personalized service, such as remembering repeat customer orders and preferences.

Starbucks’ investment in technology is part of a larger strategy to improve its U.S. performance, streamline store operations, and bring a more personal touch back to its cafes.