Macro Foods introduces AI tech to deliver ready-made meals at Windsor Regional Hospital

Windsor meal-prep company introduces AI powered vending machines

A Windsor meal-prep company has introduced what it says is the city’s first artificial-intelligence powered vending machines, offering hospital staff and visitors a 24-hour option for fresh, healthy meals at Windsor Regional Hospital.

Macro Foods installed the technology at the Met and Ouellette campuses, with co-owner Omar Abousaid saying the system is designed to move people away from relying on traditional fast food during overnight hours.

“We are trying to tackle an initiative to step away from fast food, especially in the after hours where people don’t have anything to really eat in the hospitals,” Abousaid said.

The machine stores up to 186 meals along with snacks, drinks and protein bars. Abousaid said the AI technology monitors temperatures, tracks whether items vend properly, sends alerts to staff, and allows customers to filter meals by allergens, likes and dislikes.

“You go to the screen and you can filter by your allergens, your likes or dislikes, and it gives you the full nutrition label,” he explained.

“You select it, purchase it, warm it up for three to four minutes and off it goes.”

Abousaid said the company restocks daily and is receiving “nothing but amazing” feedback, particularly from overnight nurses. He said most sales come between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., with some early-morning spikes for breakfast.

The company believes it is the first food-based AI vending system in Windsor. While similar technology exists in Toronto, Abousaid said those machines focus on drinks and snacks. Macro Foods is already planning upgrades that could allow meals to be dispensed pre-heated.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if in the next three or four months we start seeing a lot more of these pop up,” he continued, adding the company has had inquiries from the Windsor Heart Institute, the University of Windsor and industrial employers.

The machine also includes a preorder feature. Users can scan a QR code, choose a meal online, and pick it up later by rescanning the code, which also collects loyalty points.

Windsor Regional Hospital says the new option fills a gap created by limited late-night food availability.

“I think it’s fantastic,” said Steve Erwin, the hospital’s director of communications.

“It gives our staff and our patients and our guests an extra option in the after-hours times especially. It’s a quick meal, it’s a healthy meal, and it’s something they can grab and go.”

Erwin said the machine complements existing food services at the Met and Ouellette campuses, but fills a need when cafeterias and restaurants close.

“In general, in the evening there’s less people, there’s less volume and traffic,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for those visiting patients, patients who are mobile and want a quick snack, or for staff at night.”