McDonald’s is upgrading its 43,000 restaurants with new technology. The company is adding internet-connected kitchen equipment, AI-powered drive-throughs, and smart tools to help managers, according to the Wall Street Journal.
McDonald’s wants to improve customer service and make work easier for employees. Many workers face challenges like broken machines and incorrect orders, said Brian Rice, the company’s chief information officer. He believes AI technology can reduce stress in busy restaurants.
In late 2023, McDonald’s partnered with Google Cloud to bring faster computing to its restaurants. This system, called edge computing, helps process data locally instead of relying on the internet. This is useful for remote locations where internet connections are not always strong.
Edge computing will also help predict when machines like fryers and ice cream machines might break down. McDonald’s is installing sensors on kitchen equipment to track their performance. AI will analyze this data and alert managers before problems happen.
McDonald’s is also testing AI-powered cameras to check if customer orders are correct before handing them out. This could help reduce mistakes and improve service.
The company started using edge computing in some U.S. restaurants in 2024 and plans to expand it further. However, it has not shared the exact number of locations that will receive the upgrade.
Other fast-food chains are also using AI. Wendy’s, for example, launched an AI ordering system called FreshAi. After testing it in one location, Wendy’s expanded it to nearly 100 restaurants across 18 states. The system helps speed up orders and improve customer experience.
McDonald’s and other fast-food chains continue to explore AI tools to make their restaurants more efficient for both customers and employees.
Source: convenience
