McDonald’s has decided to end its AI-powered voice-ordering system trial at around 100 locations following viral videos of order errors. The fast-food chain will continue exploring AI solutions for future use.
Main Points:
- McDonald’s ended its AI voice-ordering trial after viral videos showcased order mix-ups.
- The company had partnered with IBM for this AI initiative starting in 2021.
- Despite the trial’s end, McDonald’s continues to seek AI-driven solutions for their operations.
Summary:
McDonald’s has decided to terminate its trial of AI-assisted voice-ordering systems at approximately 100 drive-through locations. This decision follows a series of viral TikTok videos showing the system making significant mistakes, such as picking up orders from the wrong vehicles, duplicating orders, and creating bizarre food combinations. The partnership with IBM, which began in 2021, aimed to streamline the ordering process, but the trial faced public scrutiny due to these errors.
Although the AI trial with IBM is ending, McDonald’s remains optimistic about the future of AI in their operations. The company expressed confidence that voice-ordering technology will eventually become a standard feature in their restaurants. McDonald’s is committed to advancing their technology and will continue evaluating scalable AI solutions to make informed decisions by the end of the year. The move reflects a broader trend in the fast-food industry, with major chains like Chipotle, Wendy’s, and Taco Bell also adopting AI technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce labor costs.
Source: McDonald’s scraps AI pilot after order mix-ups go viral
Keep up to date on the latest AI news and tools by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, or following up on Twitter and Facebook.
