US-based Checkers Drive-In Restaurants has collaborated with Hi Auto to deploy its Spanish drive-through artificial intelligence (AI) voice technology at its locations.

Hi Auto’s AI voice technology is already operational at more than 350 of the restaurant group’s locations. The latest move will be the first of its kind for bilingual drive-through voice AI ordering.

After undergoing beta-level testing for more than two months, the Spanish drive-through voice AI tech is being rolled out to more Checkers and Rally’s franchises and stores.

Checkers and Rally’s chief information officer Minh Le said: “At Checkers and Rally’s, we understand the importance of creating an inclusive environment and meeting our customers where they are.

“With the addition of Hi Auto’s Spanish translation capabilities to our AI voice ordering technology at the drive-through, we’re further enhancing guest interactions, increasing order efficiency, and embracing our welcoming culture.

“We’re excited to partner with Hi Auto as we continue to implement Spanish translation technology to our AI-powered drive-throughs nationwide.”

The tech company said that its system has been designed to automatically detect the language spoken by the customer and immediately respond in that language to carry out the ordering process.

Hi Auto co-founder and CEO Roy Baharav said: “To best serve our communities, restaurants need solutions that speak to all customers, and the US is the world's second-largest Spanish-speaking country.

“Our expanded partnership with Checkers and Rally’s represents a huge breakthrough for the country’s Spanish-speaking and bilingual communities, and allows every restaurant to cater to the Spanish-speaking population at any time.”