- Voice-based ordering feature gains traction as AI assistants move beyond chat
- Service can call restaurants, confirm bookings and generate transcripts automatically
Alibaba Group’s AI tool Qwen said usage of its AI-powered restaurant booking feature surged about 200% on May 19 from a day earlier, marking the biggest single-day increase since the service launched earlier this year.
The feature, introduced in January, allows users to ask the app’s AI assistant to book restaurants by phone. Qwen automatically searches for proper dining options, makes the call and completes the reservation on the user’s behalf.
The entire conversation is transcribed in real time and stored alongside audio recordings for replay.
The voice system uses real-time emotion and intent recognition to make conversations sound more natural, according to Qwen.
To avoid disrupting restaurant operations, outbound AI calls are limited to between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
However, Qwen did not explain why usage peaked on May 19, nor did it attribute the spike to promotions, seasonal demand or broader organic adoption.
The rapid uptake of the service reflects a broader shift in AI services from chatbot-style interaction toward task execution.
Earlier this year, Qwen integrated more than 400 functions across Alibaba’s ecosystem, including food delivery, ride-hailing, flight booking, hotel reservations and mapping services through platforms such as Taobao, Alipay, Fliggy and Amap.
Qwen said additional features, including personalized voice customization and multilingual restaurant booking, are currently under development and will be rolled out to users once ready.
