We're starting to see several websites and apps integrate generative AI into their systems, and even physical operations in other industries are gearing up to take advantage of the new technology. One of the biggest fast food franchises, McDonald's, will utilize AI more in 2024.
What Can AI Do for McDonald's?
Adding AI services in the fast food business is not that far-fetched anymore, especially since franchises like McDonald's have already attempted to use AI technology to conduct business. Next year, however, AI will serve a bigger purpose than just taking drive-thru orders.
In partnership with Google, the fast food giant intends to get hardware and software upgrades for thousands of its stores to accommodate AI use, which includes its ordering kiosks and its mobile app, as reported by The Verge.
The company wasn't exactly specific as to what it will be used for, just that it will "quickly spot and enact solutions to reduce business disruptions" for managers. Since it will help out with operations, McDonald's says that it will bring customers "hotter, fresher food."
AI automation will streamline order processing so that your food will arrive sooner, which reduces the possibility of it getting cold. All that's certain is that the fast-food franchise will be providing services through Google Cloud.
It begs the question, will McDonald's reduce staff and use AI instead? It's a valid question, considering that many businesses have done so already. It's a possibility, especially since AI can be programmed to interact with customers.
McDonald's said that it will merely reduce complexity for crews and will serve as "exciting new experiences" for customers and crews alike. That still doesn't answer whether some jobs would be replaced by the technology.
In case you haven't heard, the franchise has already tried using AI to take orders in drive-thrus before, but that didn't go as well as they wanted it to. With the recent developments, it might just work for McDonald's this time.
Failed Attempt at AI Taking Orders
It was only a matter of time before the food industry hopped in on the AI hype, and McDonald's was among the first to do so. The fast-food chain tested an AI-powered drive-thru back in June 2021, but it was not as efficient as advertised.
Customers were getting their orders wrong and were having trouble clarifying themselves to the AI. The approach was tested in several locations across Chicago, and many customers took to TikTok to show their faulty experiences with the AI order-taker.
CEO Chris Kempczinski claims that the AI system was 85% accurate, as mentioned in Gizmodo, and said that it could achieve up to 95% accuracy once it was launched. Unfortunately, that's not how things turned out based on documented experiences.
A TikTok user tried ordering something as simple as vanilla ice cream and a cup of water, and the AI was already having trouble understanding the order. Another ordered Mountain Dew and ended up with a different drink once the order was processed, resulting in them canceling and re-ordering.
