Stories

Thu, 26 Feb 2026

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 Burger King rolls out AI headsets that track employee 'friendliness'

The fast-food chain is testing OpenAI-powered headsets that monitor staff interactions with customers.

* Burger King is testing AI-powered headsets that monitor employee interactions with customers and oversee store operations.
* The system, called BK Assistant, compiles "friendliness scores" based on employees' conversations and can identify terms such as "please" and "thank you".
* The headsets use a chat-bot called "Patty" to answer questions and flag when products need restocking.
* The system is currently being piloted at 500 US restaurants and all US Burger King locations are expected to have access to it by 2026.
* Critics have raised concerns about the tool's potential for surveillance and its accuracy, with some describing it as "dystopian".