McDonald's Drive-Thru AI Upgrade Now Taking Orders — Here’s What You Need to Know
- The AI upgrade replaces human order-takers with voice recognition, slashing wait times by 20% during peak hours.
- Over 200 locations in the U.S. are testing the system, with plans to expand nationally by 2025.
- The AI can handle menu modifications like "no pickles" and combo meals, but struggles with heavy accents or loud car engines.
- Early data shows a 5% increase in upsell success, as the AI suggests fries or drinks without hesitation.
- Critics worry about job losses for 10,000+ crew members, though McDonald’s insists it will redeploy staff to front-of-house roles.