A groundbreaking innovation in the world of drive-thrus has emerged in Lowell, Massachusetts. P!ng, an automated coffee drive-thru pod, aims to redefine the way people order their favorite beverages by eliminating the need to wait in long lines. Developed by entrepreneurs Rob Whitten and Jane Lo, P!ng utilizes artificial intelligence and technology to ensure a seamless and efficient customer experience.
The process begins with customers placing their orders through the P!ng app, which offers a wide range of beverages including coffees, teas, lattes, refreshers, and energy drinks. Users can save their go-to order or explore the menu to customize their drinks with dairy preferences, sweeteners, flavors, or toppings. Prices start at $2.95 for a basic hot coffee and $3.45 for an iced coffee, with additional options available at a nominal extra cost.
Once an order is placed, P!ng’s monitors track the user’s movement, initiating the drink-making process when the driver is within 300 feet of the pod. The pod requires the driver to have their phone with the P!ng app in the car for recognition. The goal is to have beverages prepared within 15 seconds, although currently, most drinks are ready in 30 seconds or less.
P!ng’s founders, Whitten and Lo, who previously worked together at SharkNinja, identified several issues associated with traditional drive-thrus, such as long wait times, traffic congestion, order mistakes, and cars idling. Their vision for P!ng is to eliminate these inconveniences and enhance customer satisfaction through the power of automation and robotics.
Since its launch at the end of August, the first P!ng pod has already garnered a 61% repeat customer rate. While the trial period has been relatively smooth, Whitten and Lo plan to hire staff to address any customer issues and restock the pod regularly. Located at 10 Technology Drive in Lowell, the sole P!ng pod currently operates between specific hours from Tuesday to Saturday.
Looking ahead, the founders have ambitious plans to introduce more P!ng pods in residential areas across Massachusetts and eventually expand nationwide. By leveraging technology to improve the drive-thru experience, P!ng aims to make coffee a delightful part of people’s day, free from frustration and inconvenience.