AI may soon take drive-thru orders. McDonald's tried AI in 2021, but numerous fast food companies are now planning to use it. Wendy's FreshAI, a Google Cloud-powered AI system, is the newest.
The fast food business recognized the drive-thru AI challenge in a news release. TikTokers have complained about McDonald's AI botching orders since its implementation. McDonald's CEO told their AI was only 85% accurate.
Wendy's hopes Google Cloud's generative AI can help. This AI system will apparently know the restaurant's menu and rules well enough to take "made-to-order requests."
Will this make your drive-through experience less personal or better for "secret menu" fans? Wendy's stated in a news release that two-thirds of consumers prefer drive-thru ordering.
Wendy's AI announcement follows Carl's Jr. and Hardee's. These developments are causing concern among workers.
Wendy's will test the AI system at one Columbus, Ohio restaurant in June 2023, so other stores won't change yet. The fast-food business hopes new technology will change the game.
What happens once AI masters drive-up windows? Many worry about fast food's future due to drive-thru AI. Redditor "When has automaton ever actually helped laborers?" It's fewer jobs, not better ones."
In 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimated three million fast food workers. AI systems may influence their jobs.
Carl's Jr. and Hardee's expected the AI system to free up workers rather than replace them. Your favorite fast-food restaurant may seem like a sci-fi movie if other restaurants start utilizing robots.