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McDonald’s is bringing AI back to its drive-thrus
The chain is testing its new ArchIQ system powered by Google at five locations as part of a broader growth strategy
McDonald’s is taking another shot at AI-powered drive-thrus. At its Worldwide convention this week, the chain announced plans to roll out a new AI operating system called ArchIQ across all US restaurants, two years after it pulled the plug on a similar effort with IBM.
What went wrong the first time
McDonald’s first tested AI drive-thru ordering in partnership with IBM at more than 100 locations. The system was designed to speed up the ordering process, but customers quickly reported problems. The chatbot regularly added unwanted items to orders, creating confusion and frustration rather than the efficiency the chain was after.
McDonald’s ended the IBM partnership in 2024. At the time, the company said it planned to continue exploring voice ordering options more broadly. That search eventually led it to Google.
What ArchIQ does differently
The new system, built with Google, centers on an AI ordering assistant called Archy. Unlike the IBM version, early testing suggests Archy handles orders in both English and Spanish without the errors that plagued the previous system. According to posts from a McDonald’s franchise account on X, the system has processed over one million transactions, with around 90% completed without requiring a human to step in.
Archy is designed to do more than take orders. The system also functions as a management tool, alerting restaurant managers to potential slowdowns or operational issues before they escalate. Beyond the drive-thru lane, it is intended to help staff run individual locations more efficiently.
Five McDonald’s locations are currently testing the ArchIQ system. The chain has not confirmed which restaurants are involved. In the meantime, Google Edge Cloud hardware is already being installed across every US McDonald’s location in preparation for a wider rollout.
Part of a bigger shift at McDonald’s
The ArchIQ announcement came alongside a broader strategy the company is calling McDonald’s Next. The plan covers changes to the menu, restaurant design and technology. At the Worldwide convention, McDonald’s also unveiled a new restaurant concept with updated ordering touchpoints and a refreshed interior design, along with a new PlayPlace setup.
The chain has also been previewing new menu items as part of the rollout, including hand-breaded McCrispy chicken, a McDonaldland Cookie Cold Brew and protein coffee options.
When will Archy arrive at your location?
McDonald’s has not given a timeline for the full ArchIQ rollout. The system is still in its testing phase, and the chain is waiting on results from the five pilot locations before expanding further. For now, human staff are still taking orders at the drive-thru window.
SOURCE: allrecipes
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