It’s over – for now. The world-famous fast-food chain is ending its AI experiment at the drive-thru. Simply too often, desperate customers. But the corporation has plans.
AI at McDonald’s? I didn’t even notice. For about two years, McDonald’s has been testing AI for ordering at the drive-thru – but only at 100 locations. The chance that you will be at such a location is relatively low. In July, the test will come to an end, as Restaurant Business reports. Even if the test is publicly considered a preliminary success
.
Why is the test ending? The corporation does not disclose the exact reasons, but anyone who looks around a bit might get an idea of what it could be. Because there are numerous reports online, in written or video form, that the AI often misunderstands verbal orders. What ultimately appeared on the receipt was sometimes disturbing – or very expensive.
Food is… a matter of AI taste
What has happened? A particularly funny case on TikTok (you need to be logged in to watch) shows a misunderstanding where the AI stubbornly assumes the customer definitely wanted ham on their ice cream.
During another ordering incident, the AI presumed the customers were very hungry: enough for 20 McNuggets meals for a whopping 300 euros.
So, never again AI at McDonald’s? Yes, it will come back. As McDonald’s emphasizes to Restaurant Business. A solution for verbal orders at the drive-thru is part of the future of McDonald’s restaurants, comments the system catering corporation. By the end of the year, the company aims to settle on a solution – even if the test with exactly this variant is initially ended.
Artificial intelligence in all its forms can, however, do far more than (potentially) help people order unhealthy food. Some are even using it to achieve political success. For example, Steve Endacott, who acts almost as an extended arm of an AI to gain a seat in the British Parliament. We have written down his story and the AI that supports him here.
