Starbucks rolls out AI to count coffee and cut waste

Starbucks is rolling out NomadGo’s Inventory AI across more than 11,000 North American stores.

That means nearly every company-owned shop in the region will be covered by the end of September.

The tech uses computer vision, 3D spatial tools, and AR to speed up stock counts. It’s not a new scanner or gadget, just software that runs on devices that baristas already use.

Workers only need a phone or tablet to scan shelves, fridges, or display cases. The AI instantly recognizes items like milk jugs, syrups, and packaged beans without manual input.

The system initially promises results eight times faster than manual counting, with 99% accuracy. In practice, that could mean shaving hours off daily back-room checks.

Why it matters for Starbucks

Inventory counting has always been slow and tedious for staff. Baristas often have to juggle between customer rushes and staying late to finish the job.

Automating the process frees baristas to focus more on drinks and customers. Starbucks is pitching this as a way to give staff more “human” time on the floor.

Cutting down on waste and costs is another big win for operations. Precise tracking helps avoid over-ordering perishables that end up being thrown away.

Real-time AR overlays show counts instantly for on-the-spot validation – therefore staff don’t have to double-check lists because the system confirms it as they go.

The AI runs locally on devices, so it doesn’t need a constant internet connection. This represents a safeguard in busy stores where WiFi can be unreliable.

Data accuracy helps Starbucks fine-tune stock levels to meet daily demand. This could help managers order just the right amount of milk or pastries per shift.

The bigger picture

This move is part of Starbucks’ wider tech push, following its June staffing revamp. The company has been layering automation into operations piece by piece this year.Inventory is often overlooked but critical for customer satisfaction. A quick scan might not seem glamorous, but it can make or break availability.

Betting on automation here will give it a long-term edge in service quality. The company is framing this as tech that supports, not replaces, its workforce.

Starbucks has been experiencing problems of late. Q3 2025 marks the sixth consecutive quarter of declining customer visits.

The coffee-chain has experimented with new quirks like 3D printing branches, also with the help of AI.

One wonders though, if a more human ingenuity, like when servers call out the customers name when the order is ready – giving them a unique selling point – a signature people associate with the brand, and the baristas themselves.

After all, it’s the daily grind that keeps people coming back.