25 McNuggets Meals? McDonald’s Ends AI Drive-Thru Ordering Test with IBM

McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD) has announced the end of its test period for AI order-taking technology in drive-thrus, which was conducted in partnership with IBM (NYSE: IBM)

The technology, deployed in over 100 restaurants since 2021, aimed to simplify operations and improve customer experience. However, the decision to remove the AI system comes after mixed results and viral videos showcasing its failures.

The voice recognition technology of the Automated Order Taker, according to CEO Chris Kempczinski in 2021, was accurate 85% of the time. But that obviously was not good enough for frustrated customers. Many ordering failures made their rounds on TikTok.

@that_usa_guy

Trying the McDonald’s AI drive thru….Again @McDonald’s Corporate #fail

♬ original sound – Dal JustDal

Customers encountered issues such as incorrect orders and added items they did not request. In one instance, a woman attempting to order water and vanilla ice cream received additional ketchup and butter packets. Another user reported getting way too many McNuggets in their order.

Despite the setback, McDonald’s is likely to keep looking for ways to use technology to streamline its workflow. The company said that its work with IBM has given them confidence in the potential of such technology and plans to evaluate long-term, scalable solutions by the end of the year.

McDonald’s has been exploring the use of AI technology in its restaurants since 2019, including the installation of AI-powered menu boards with suggestive selling features. The company’s ongoing efforts to automate tasks also include mobile ordering, in-store kiosks, and experiments with drone deliveries, kitchen robots, and AI hiring tools.


Information for this story was found via Insider, CNBC, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

2026 Could Be Gold’s Biggest Year Yet!? | Ryan King – Equinox Gold

Gold Is Screaming Higher While Currencies Burn | Simon Ridgway – Rackla Metals

We Have the Highest-Grade Antimony Deposit in North America!? | Jim Atkinson -Antimony Resources

Recommended

Canadian Copper Secures $8 Million Lead Order From Ocean Partners As Part Of Larger Funding Round

Northern Superior Expands Philibert With 350 Metre Step Out Testing 1.10 g/t Gold Over 25.5 Metres

Related News

Almost 6 Months In, Is NVIDIA’s Eye Contact AI Still Too Creepy To Use?

Nvidia‘s (Nasdaq: NVDA) January release of Eye Contact, an AI-powered software video feature, garnered mixed...

Wednesday, July 12, 2023, 02:21:00 PM

DeepSeek Says Its New AI Model Tops Industry Leaders in Image Creation

DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence company that recently surprised the tech world, announced Monday that...

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 02:59:00 PM

Microsoft Data Center Pullback Sparks Wall Street Jitters Over AI Spending

Microsoft‘s (Nasdaq: MSFT) reported cancellation of data center leases has triggered investor anxiety about the...

Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 03:40:00 PM

Tech Titans Commit $500 Billion To Trump For AI Expansion, But Musk Is Not Convinced

Hyped ahead of its announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared plans to inject $500...

Thursday, January 23, 2025, 10:44:00 AM

Are Humans Doomed to Destroy ChatGPT?

Humanity has always been afraid of artificial intelligence. We recognize its ability to fundamentally transform...

Monday, February 6, 2023, 02:17:00 PM