McDonalds testing AI drive-thru system ArchIQ at 5 locations across US

Artificial intelligence could soon take your next McDonald’s drive-thru order.McDonald’s is testing a new AI system that can chat with customers, take orders in multiple languages and help run restaurant operations behind the scenes — a move that could eventually bring the technology to drive-thru lanes across America.The fast-food giant unveiled the system, called ArchIQ, during its Worldwide convention this week as part of a broader strategy to modernize restaurants and boost growth, Restaurant Business reported.The technology, nicknamed “Archy,” is being tested at five US locations, though the company has not disclosed where those restaurants are located.A demonstration shared by franchisee account McFranchisee on X showed the AI taking drive-thru orders in both English and Spanish.The system appeared to process requests smoothly, a notable improvement from McDonald’s previous attempt at AI ordering.“Every McDonald’s in the US is getting their Google Edge Cloud blades installed in anticipation of this rollout,” the account posted.“[It has] processed over one million transactions with about 90 percent of orders completed without human escalations.”The new platform is being developed with Google and represents McDonald’s latest push into AI after an earlier effort fell flat.The burger chain previously partnered with IBM to test AI-powered drive-thru ordering at more than 100 restaurants.

The program was scrapped in 2024 after customers complained about mistakes, including unwanted menu items being added to orders.However, the company made clear it had not given up on AI after ending the IBM partnership.At the time, McDonald’s said it would continue exploring “voice ordering solutions more broadly.” Now, it appears ready to take another shot.But ArchIQ is designed to do more than greet hungry customers at the speaker box.The system can also monitor restaurant operations and alert managers to potential problems before they become bigg...