McDonald’s Uses AI to Upgrade 43,000 Restaurants
Image Credit: Jurij Kenda | Splash
McDonald’s, the global fast food chain, has initiated a plan to incorporate artificial intelligence across its 43,000 restaurants worldwide. The company aims to use this technology to reduce wait times, improve order accuracy and enhance the experience for customers and employees. To support this effort, McDonald’s is collaborating with Google Cloud, marking a significant shift in its operational strategy within the competitive fast food sector.
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Edge Computing Enables On-Site Data Processing
A key component of McDonald’s AI integration is edge computing, which processes data directly at individual restaurants rather than relying on remote cloud servers. Launched in late 2023 through a partnership with Google Cloud, this system equips kitchen equipment with internet-connected sensors. These sensors provide real-time data to staff, offering insights into restaurant performance. Industry experts note that edge computing typically delivers faster processing and lower costs compared to traditional cloud systems, making it practical for a chain of McDonald’s size. The setup is also designed to identify potential equipment issues before they disrupt operations, aiming to ensure consistent service.
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AI Tools Target Employee Workload and Efficiency
McDonald’s Chief Information Officer, Brian Rice, highlighted the challenges employees face in busy restaurants. “Our restaurants, frankly, can be very stressful”, Rice told The Sun. “We have customers at the counter, we have customers at our drive-through, couriers coming in for delivery, delivery at curbside. That’s a lot to deal with for our crew. Technology solutions will alleviate the stress”. To address this, the company is introducing AI-driven tools for managers to verify orders and streamline tasks. One proposed feature is a “generative AI virtual manager” to handle administrative duties, such as shift scheduling, allowing human managers to focus on other priorities.
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Drive-Throughs and Computer Vision Under Development
The AI initiative includes enhancements to McDonald’s drive-throughs, where voice recognition technology is being tested in collaboration with Google Cloud. This follows an earlier attempt in 2021 with IBM, which aimed to automate order-taking but ended in July 2024 after customer complaints about incorrect orders. McDonald’s is now working to refine this technology to manage drive-through demands effectively. Additionally, the company is exploring computer vision—similar to facial recognition—in store cameras to check orders for accuracy before they reach customers, aiming to reduce errors and maintain quality.
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Comparing Computer Vision Across Industries
McDonald’s adoption of computer vision parallels advancements seen in other sectors, notably Tesla’s pioneering work in autonomous driving. While McDonald’s uses cameras to ensure order accuracy in a controlled restaurant setting, Tesla’s Tesla Vision system relies on a sophisticated camera network and neural networks to navigate complex roadways, processing data on-vehicle with its Full Self-Driving computer. Both leverage edge computing for speed, yet Tesla’s scope—trained on vast driving data via its Dojo supercomputer—dwarfs McDonald’s more focused application. This contrast highlights how computer vision is scaling across industries, from enhancing fast food precision to enabling self-driving cars, each tailored to its unique demands.
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Customer Loyalty Goals Tied to AI Upgrades
McDonald’s has outlined a target to increase its loyal customer base from 175 million to 250 million by 2027, linking this growth to its AI improvements. The company anticipates that faster service and fewer mistakes will strengthen customer retention. Analysts suggest that meeting this goal will require not only technological reliability but also consistency in delivering the brand’s expected standards—a factor complicated by previous AI setbacks.
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Competitors Also Adopt AI Solutions
McDonald’s is not the only fast food chain pursuing AI. Wendy’s has introduced its “FreshAI” voice assistant, operational in about 100 locations since 2023, with plans to expand to 500–600 drive-throughs by year-end. This reflects a wider industry trend as chains explore technology to address operational demands and customer expectations. While Wendy’s focuses primarily on drive-through ordering, McDonald’s broader approach—covering equipment monitoring, order verification, and administrative support—positions it as a comprehensive adopter of AI in the sector.
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Source: New York Post
