AI This Week

Yum! Brands, the parent company of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC, is partnering with NVIDIA to integrate AI technology into its restaurant operations. This collaboration aims to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency through voice ordering systems and kitchen automation. The AI rollout will start with drive-thru voice assistants capable of taking orders in English and Spanish. Kitchen display systems will also be upgraded with AI to improve order accuracy and preparation timing. The companies plan to implement these technologies in 500 restaurant locations by the end of 2025, with initial testing already underway at select establishments. This initiative represents a significant investment in modernizing fast food service through advanced technology.

Nvidia, in collaboration with Google DeepMind and Disney Research, has revealed a Star Wars-inspired AI-powered robot named Blue, which was showcased at the Nvidia GTC 2025 keynote. This robot uses Newton, a new open-source physics engine developed by the trio, designed for real-time robotic simulation. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang demonstrated Blue’s capabilities on stage, highlighting its potential future applications in training robots. The open-source nature of Newton aims to advance the robotics community by allowing widespread use and development contributions. This initiative points towards Disney’s vision of integrating such robots in its entertainment parks soon.

Apple is facing significant challenges with its AI initiatives as it struggles to advance its Apple Intelligence platform. The company recently delayed a key update to Siri, its AI-powered voice assistant, which was meant to feature enhanced personal context and on-screen awareness. An offsite meeting involving Apple’s top 100 executives is planned, with Apple Intelligence as the primary discussion topic. Despite admitting shortcomings, a shake-up in Apple’s executive team appears unlikely. Apple aims to swiftly address its AI setbacks to reinvigorate consumer confidence and expectations. The pressure is on for Apple to demonstrate its innovation and regain momentum in the AI space.

At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Vishal Sharma, Amazon’s VP of Artificial General Intelligence, stated that AI impacts every part of Amazon. AI is deployed across Amazon Web Services, warehouse robotics, and the Alexa consumer product, among other applications. Sharma highlighted Amazon’s robust AI infrastructure, mentioning the new “Bedrock” service and a large AI compute cluster built with Anthropic. He dismissed concerns over smaller open-source models, emphasizing the need for more intelligent solutions. Sharma also addressed geopolitical tensions and AI strategies, affirming Amazon’s long-term commitment to AI development.

Google has shared policy recommendations for the U.S. AI Action Plan in response to a request from the Office of Science and Technology Policy. The tech giant outlines three key focus areas: investing in AI infrastructure and policies, accelerating government AI adoption, and promoting pro-innovation approaches internationally. Google emphasizes the need for coordinated federal and local efforts, streamlined procurement procedures, and championing market-driven technical standards. The company underscores the importance of policy decisions in shaping the global AI competition and ensuring America’s continued leadership in the field.