MCDONALD'S has told franchisees it is ending an artificial intelligence drive-thru order-taking program.
The high-tech solution was designed to get customers their food faster, but didn't live up to expectations.
McDonald's has decided to end the use of AI-assisted order-taking at its drive-thru lanes.
The IBM technology used voice recognition to take customers' orders without the need for an associate.
More than 100 McDonald’s locations have tested the technology since it was introduced in 2021.
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Customers were greeted by an automated voice rather than an employee at the drive-thru speakerphone.
However, the fast food chain has decided the technology is not where it needs to be yet.
"After a thoughtful review, McDonald's has decided to end our current partnership with IBM on AOT [automated order taking] and the technology will be shut off in all restaurants currently testing it no later than July 26, 2024," read a message from McDonald’s USA Chief Restaurant Officer Mason Smoot obtained by Restaurant Business Magazine.
"While there have been successes to date, we feel there is an opportunity to explore voice ordering solutions more broadly," the exec reportedly added.
The company will make "an informed decision on a future voice ordering solution by the end of the year."
"The goal of the test was to determine if an automated voice ordering solution could simplify operations for crew and create a faster, improved experience for our fans," McDonald's told FoxBusiness.
"Through our partnership with IBM, we have captured many learnings and feel there is an opportunity to explore voice-ordering solutions more broadly."
MORE MCDONALD'S CHANGES
McDonald's is making various changes to keep up with the evolving fast food industry.
Last year, it launched a spin-off chain of restaurants named CosMcs.
Described by CNN as McDonald's "answer to Starbucks," CosMcs focuses on specialty coffee drinks, iced teas, and snacks.
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The first location opened in Bollingbrook, Illinois in December, 2023.
A further nine CosMcs are slated to open in Texas by the end of 2024.
Since last year, McDonald's has also been rolling out changes to its signature burgers.
Customers can now enjoy better buns that are softer, consistently melted cheese, a better sear on the patties, and more Big Mac sauce.
The chain has also started adding white onions to the patties while cooking to improve the flavor.
McDonald's is also making a big change to the way customers get their sodas
And see which McDonald's rival has hiked menu prices.