The company has hinted at a potential collaboration with Google, following a vague announcement in December. Other fast food chains are also exploring AI technology, with Wendy's testing drive-thru AI, White Castle using AI from SoundHound, and Carl's Jr. and Hardee's using an AI chatbot supported by human workers. McDonald's is also experimenting with automation in other areas, including mobile ordering, in-store kiosks, drone deliveries, kitchen robots, and AI hiring tools.
Key takeaways:
- McDonald’s is ending its AI drive-thru ordering partnership with IBM no later than July 26th, 2024, and will remove the technology from over 100 restaurants where it has been tested.
- The company was testing whether the voice ordering chatbot could speed up service and remains confident that a voice-ordering solution will be part of their future.
- A potential future option could involve a deal with Google, which was announced in December and involves a chatbot named “Ask Pickles”.
- McDonald’s is also exploring other automation options, including mobile ordering, in-store kiosks, drone deliveries, kitchen robots, and AI hiring tools.