PepsiCo Inc. on May 20 launched a digital laboratory to help operators in food service industry strengthen their digital offering.

The PepsiCo Foodservice Digital Lab aims to connect operators in the food service business with companies, insights and products and services best suited for their specific digital and online needs.

The lab will help companies manage online reviews and search engine results as well as implement point-of-sale tools and digital consumer rewards programs.

The lab will also tap into advanced tools such as voice, augmented reality and machine learning to help improve the partner companies' platforms.

"The digital age has disrupted everything — including the way people order, eat and experience food and beverages. PepsiCo is helping our customers stay ahead of the curve in regard to understanding the latest technology and consumer trends impacting the food service industry," said PepsiCo Foodservice Chief Marketing Officer Scott Finlow.

The U.S. soft drink giant also partnered with a number of food industry service providers such as Grubhub Inc. to identify and resolve problems in online order fulfillment and delivery, and Mobivity Holdings Corp. for marketing improvements.