McDonald’s has reached a mutual agreement with Google to leverage Generative AI technology starting from 2024, whereby thousands of company-owned stores will receive enhancements in equipment and software.
Updates are also scheduled for other systems in order-taking kiosks and the company’s mobile application, enabling McDonald’s to use artificial intelligence to process large amounts of data and improve company operations. This is expected to result in a range of benefits, including serving customers hotter food.
So far, the role of large language models and artificial intelligence in providing hot and fresh meals for the company is not widely known. However, the most likely possibility is an increased utilization of AI-based automation in the company’s restaurants and drive-thru locations in the coming years.
McDonald’s has not detailed how artificial intelligence is being used in its operations. Nevertheless, they confirmed that devices and software used in their various restaurants will be developed, in addition to being used for service delivery via Google Cloud.
Managers are expected to benefit from this updated system in identifying and implementing solutions that help reduce business challenges.
McDonald’s avoided mentioning the topic of replacing workers with artificial intelligence in its statement, instead stating that the system will reduce the “work complexity” for the employee team and provide “new and exciting experiences for both employees and customers alike.”
Wendy’s has previously experimented with this approach, having earlier this year tested food orders using artificial intelligence.
In fact, there is a correlation between these news and current indications of robot usage instead of employees. This also aligns with the company’s adoption of a new on-demand operating system to achieve a consistent experience in the McDonald’s application and the company’s kiosks.
