What does this mean for workers? Starbucks's moves touch 1 job, which employs about 3.9 million people in the U.S. For baristas, AI and robots already touch about 1h 11m of a typical 8-hour shift. A single company's move is an early signal for these jobs, and the time cards show how far the change has spread nationally.
A pilot is a limited test, often at a few sites, that may or may not expand. Pulled back means the company ended, paused or reversed the change.
On the floor
- Starbucks pilots Green Dot Assist AI helper for baristas in 35 stores
Starbucks is piloting Green Dot Assist, a generative AI assistant on in-store iPads powered by Microsoft Azure's OpenAI platform, in 35 stores. It plans a broader rollout to U.S. and Canadian stores in fiscal year 2026.
- Starbucks pauses Siren equipment rollout and focuses on staffing
Starbucks paused the rollout of its Siren System drink-making equipment. CEO Brian Niccol said the equipment does not solve the customer experience problem, staffing the stores does, and a new staffing model launches at 2,000 U.S. locations.