Yum China launches AI assistant ‘Q-Smart’ to streamline restaurant operations

It uses voice interaction through wearable devices.

Yum China Holdings, Inc. has launched a pilot of Q-Smart, a hands-free, AI-powered assistant designed to help restaurant managers handle daily operations more efficiently.

Q-Smart uses voice interaction through wearable devices like smartwatches and wireless earphones, allowing managers to manage tasks such as scheduling, inventory, and food safety checks without using their hands or screens.

The system responds to natural language commands and provides real-time support based on Yum China's operational knowledge base.

The AI assistant is currently being tested in select KFC stores. It monitors inventory against sales forecasts, reminds managers to reorder supplies, and guides them through equipment checks and issue resolution — all via voice interaction.

The launch is part of Yum China’s broader digital transformation. Since 2015, the company has rolled out digital payments, a customer app, AI decision tools, and Generative AI solutions. As of March 2025, its digital membership exceeded 540 million.

The company officially launched Q-Smart during its first AI Day in Shanghai.

At the event, CEO Joey Wat announced a $13.9m (100 million yuan) Frontline Innovation Fund to support employee-driven tech initiatives.

Yum China also introduced the All-Staff Hackathon, which attracted nearly 200 teams across 30 markets.