1.27.2026
A Dallas tech firm is introducing a new cloud-based audio interface for automated order taking (AOT) which will give U.S. quick service restaurant (QSR) providers a practical pathway to future cloud-enabled drive-thru operations.
Quail Digital, which designs, develops and manufactures digital wireless headset communication systems and is maker of the professional-grade Pro9 QSR headset system, is this month unveiling the P9AI audio interface — a new hardware solution designed for cloud-based order taking at the drive-thru speaker post.
Crucially, the P9AI interface is fully back-compatible with all existing Pro9 systems, allowing operators to adopt future AOT technology without needing to invest in additional hardware today. This approach gives QSR brands flexibility as companies can deploy Pro9 now or activate cloud-based order taking when the business is ready, rather than paying for technology that may not be immediately used according to makers Quail Digital.
For operators considering AOT in the future but not ready to deploy it immediately, this back-compatible architecture can represent a saving of up to $2,000 per site, compared to systems that require full AOT-ready hardware upfront says the manufacturer.
Tom Downes, Founder and CEO of Quail Digital, said: “Advances in SIP connectivity, voice AI and agentic AI mean headsets are no longer single-purpose tools. Through built-in APIs, they are becoming an integral interface for restaurant operations – from enabling cloud-based order taking at the speaker post, to answering external calls, directing staff activity and generating real-time voice instructions from multiple data points to improve operational efficiency.
“Cloud-based order taking is widely expected to become more common over the next few years as deep learning continues to improve order accuracy, handle language and dialect variation, and as economic models evolve to support brands transitioning to automated order taking as a way to redeploy staff more effectively.
“The Quail Digital P9AI interface is a compact, plug-in device that delivers cloud SIP connectivity and dynamic voice AI functionality, without forcing operators into premature upgrades. This future-ready design reflects Quail Digital’s commitment to giving QSR operators control over when and how they adopt new technology.
“Being based in Dallas, Texas, and recognized internationally for innovation, Quail Digital is focused on building practical, future-proof systems that allow operators to evolve at their own pace – without compromise.”
