• by Chuck Martin , Staff Writer, August 1, 2019

Artificial intelligence is findings its way to the local pub.

Facial recognition is being used to identify patrons standing in front of the bar and waiting for their turn to order a drink.

The "AI Bar," billed as the world’s first AI-powered bar, uses machine learning to display on a screen a live video of everyone waiting in line with a number above each person’s head identifying their place in the queue.

“It’s the uncertainty of waiting times alongside queue jumpers that’s adversely affecting consumer behaviors in bars and pubs,” states John Wyllie, managing director of DataSparQ, the London-based data science company that created the system. “The AI Bar ensures it’s a hassle-free, first come, first served system that makes ordering drinks more convenient for both drinkers and bar staff.”

The system uses a standard webcam, display screen and internet connection.

Bar customers can look at the display to see their place in the line with an estimate of how long it will be before it’s their turn as depicted in a company video.