KFC‘s Chinese division is creating kiosks that will suggest menu items to customers based on the way they look. Specifically, what their face says about the type and amount of chicken they might want to order. Feel free to read that last sentence again if you’d like.
KFC is working with Baidu, a Chinese web services company, to turn this strange idea into reality. The machines will look at a customer’s age, gender, and facial expressions to make their best guess. If a 5-year-old is held up to the camera, the kiosk should suggest a kids menu. If an adult walks in at 8am, it might be time for some biscuits.
The kiosk will let customers make the final decision, and will make adjustments based on your selection so it can be more accurate the next time around.
The facial-recognition machines are only available in Beijing, but will spread to more cities if they actually help folks decide their cravings.
KFC has a history of merging technology and fried chicken. Last year it introduced the Tray Typer, a paper tray that serves as a rechargeable wireless keyboard that connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
It also sold chicken-scented sunscreen. Maybe it’s time to consider whether Colonel Sanders’ chicken obsession is getting out of hand.
H/T TechCrunch