McDonald’s said that it still plans to use many of IBM’s products across its global system.
A number of fast food chains have begun exploring the implementation of AI across operations in recent years – particularly since the pandemic – with many pointing to possibilities of maximising speed and cutting costs.
When California passed a new mandatory minimum wage law for fast-food workers in April to $20 an hour, restaurants quickly began laying off staff and turning to technology, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Other fast food chains, including Wendy’s, Dunkin, and Hardee’s, are all currently testing or using AI in their drive-throughs.
Meanwhile, Yum Brands, which owns Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC, announced this year that it was introducing an “AI-first mentality” in its fast-food restaurants. “If you think about the major journeys within a restaurant that can be AI-powered, we believe it’s endless,” said Joe Park, Yum Brand’s chief digital and technology officer.