Pickle-flavoured tart, anyone? Japanese convenience stores turn to AI for novelty sweets

AI Summary

Japanese convenience stores are leveraging AI technology to develop unique new dessert flavors such as pickle-flavored tarts. Major convenience chains like Lawson are experimenting with AI to create novel food items catering to customers seeking variety beyond traditional offerings.

Fears that advanced artificial intelligence could wipe out humanity have dominated global headlines, but in Japan the technology is being used for a sweeter purpose – developing never-before-seen convenience store desserts. For customers tired of the usual egg sandwiches and rice balls, major chains are turning to AI to develop products, including some unexpected flavours. Lawson, one of the country’s biggest convenience store operators, said on Tuesday it would roll out three new food items,...