McDonald’s backs away from AI integration, ends partnership with IBM
Fast food giant McDonald’s is moving away from artificial intelligence (AI) after testing the technology for two years.
The Golden Arches partnered with IBM to implement an AI-powered automated ordering system in more than 100 of its restaurants. Now, despite some success with the systems, McDonald’s is returning to normal orders for the time being.
“After careful review, McDonald’s has decided to end our current partnership with IBM on AOT. [automated order taking] and the technology will be turned off at all restaurants currently testing it no later than July 26, 2024,” Mason Smoot, head of McDonald’s U.S. restaurants, told franchisors in a message seen by the media.
“While there have been successes to date, we believe there is an opportunity to explore voice ordering solutions more broadly,” he said.
The fast food giant will reportedly make “an informed decision on a future voice ordering solution before the end of the year.”
Even though the ordering system has been removed, McDonald’s has avoided ruling out the possibility of AI drive-thru ordering in the future, adding that the trial demonstrated the potential of voice ordering solutions to improve the ordering experience. of its customers and “simplify operations” for its crew members.
“Through our partnership with IBM, we have captured many learnings and feel there is an opportunity to explore voice ordering solutions more broadly,” McDonald’s said. fox business on Monday (June 17).
“After careful review, McDonald’s has decided to end our current global partnership with IBM on AOT beyond this year. IBM remains a trusted partner and we will continue to use many of its products in our global system.
“As we move forward, our work with IBM has given us confidence that a self-service voice ordering solution will be part of the future of our restaurants.
“We see great opportunity in advancing our restaurant technology and will continue to evaluate long-term, scalable solutions that will help us make an informed decision on a future voice ordering solution by the end of the year.”
