McDonald's Corporation has tested an AI solution from IBM for automated order acceptance. This is reported by Restaurant Business.
The company began implementing the tool in October 2021 to evaluate the possibilities of using AI. The pilot project was launched in more than 100 institutions. It is planned to be completed by July 26, 2024.
During the experiment, visitors to the fast food restaurant chain complained about incorrect order acceptance. One customer received a cone of ice cream with bacon, the other received nine servings of sweet tea.
McDonald's has abandoned IBM technology, but intends to use a neural network to interact with customers and find a new partner for this.
"As we move forward, our work with IBM has given us confidence that the voice ordering solution for drive-thru will become part of our establishments in the future. We see huge opportunities in the development of restaurant technologies and will continue to evaluate long—term, scalable tools that will help us make an informed decision about the future service for voice orders by the end of the year," the company representatives noted.IBM is in talks with other fast food chains regarding the use of the company's technology.
Many establishments are testing or have already implemented AI into their service, including Checkers and Rally's, Hardee's, Carl's Jr., Krystal, Wendy's, Dunkin and Taco John's. They strive to automate their work and optimize the number of employees, Restaurant Business notes.
Recall that in 2022, the White Castle burger chain hired robopovars. The device uses AI to determine the type of food, places it in the right basket for frying, cooks and puts it in a hot storage area.