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Zume, a new startup trying to make a more profitable pizza through robotics

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Re: Zume, a new startup trying to make a more profitable pizza through robotics

#111

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Anecdotal evidence from 20+ years ago seems like the common argument against Virtual Reality, as well. Technology got better, and cheaper. That puts previously-unattainable goals within reach. Would you argue that a $15/hour McDonald's employee will be cost-competitive with a Big Mac machine nowadays?

Depends on cost of a machine. Plus, McDonalds is a weak even if common example. Many companies push employees go focus on good service or at least sales (esp upselling). Computers still arent as good at that with a good chunk of customers rejecting them outright in such uses. Far as machines, depends on how cost of installation, maintenance, and licensing vs humans it replaces. Varies case by case.

I take it you're not speaking from knowledge in regards to this. The reason online ordering with Pizza Chains receives more per ticket is the fact that algorithms are much better at upselling than a cashier behind the register.

http://www.pizzatoday.com/departments/back-office/2013-march...

Re: Zume, a new startup trying to make a more profitable pizza through robotics

#112
post #92

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It looks like the individual ovens allow them to cook each pizza for a precise amount of time: At precisely 3 minutes and 15 seconds before arriving at the customer's location, the cloud commands the oven to turn on and--" Garden made the symbol of a large explosion emanating from his brain-- "BOOM, the customer gets a fresh, out-the-oven pizza delivered to their door." I'm guessing this was less complex than trying…

Baking pizza in a moving vehicle doesn't seem feasible to me. The sauce, cheese, etc. in a 600 degree oven are like soup. Turn the corner or need to make any kind of a rapid stop and it will all slosh to one side and ruin the pie.

They do some prebaking of the pies before they enter the truck, so I'm wondering if the truck ovens don't get that hot.

Re: Zume, a new startup trying to make a more profitable pizza through robotics

#113

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Depends on cost of a machine. Plus, McDonalds is a weak even if common example. Many companies push employees go focus on good service or at least sales (esp upselling). Computers still arent as good at that with a good chunk of customers rejecting them outright in such uses. Far as machines, depends on how cost of installation, maintenance, and licensing vs humans it replaces. Varies case by case.

I take it you're not speaking from knowledge in regards to this. The reason online ordering with Pizza Chains receives more per ticket is the fact that algorithms are much better at upselling than a cashier behind the register. http://www.pizzatoday.com/departments/back-office/2013-march...

I know quite a few that make their money on service. There's others that can use algorithms. Again, food is an extreme example whose operational and labor tradeoffs don't apply to most markets. There's usually more flexibility or margin involved where paying people more might make sense.

Re: Zume, a new startup trying to make a more profitable pizza through robotics

#114

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I take it you're not speaking from knowledge in regards to this. The reason online ordering with Pizza Chains receives more per ticket is the fact that algorithms are much better at upselling than a cashier behind the register. http://www.pizzatoday.com/departments/back-office/2013-march...

I know quite a few that make their money on service. There's others that can use algorithms. Again, food is an extreme example whose operational and labor tradeoffs don't apply to most markets. There's usually more flexibility or margin involved where paying people more might make sense.

I'm sorry why are you still typing? You apply anecdotal examples and your feelings with regards to this topic in the face of actual data. I've written some of those upselling algorithms, 2016 is a long ways from the comparative decade of the 90s you're offering up. Algos and robots can do many of the things you seem to believe to be too expensive, and they do so more cost efficiently and with a greater degree of consistency
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