McDonald’s is testing a major shift in how customers place drive-thru orders, using artificial intelligence to handle most interactions.
The new system, currently in pilot phase, is designed to speed up service, reduce errors, and improve restaurant efficiency across locations.
McDonald’s is experimenting with an AI-powered voice assistant known internally as “Archy”, developed as part of a Google-powered platform.
The system is being tested in select restaurants and is designed to take customer orders at the drive-thru without human intervention.
According to a McDonald’s franchisee sharing updates on social media, the AI system has already processed over 1 million transactions, with approximately 90% of orders completed without human assistance.
How “Archy” works
The AI assistant is capable of understanding spoken orders and responding in real time.
A video shared by a franchisee shows the system smoothly handling orders in both English and Spanish, demonstrating multilingual capability designed for broader customer accessibility.
The technology is aimed at reducing wait times and streamlining communication between customers and restaurant systems.
Part of McDonald’s “NEXT” strategy
The AI rollout is part of McDonald’s broader “McDonald’s > NEXT” growth strategy, which was unveiled at the company’s Worldwide Convention in Las Vegas.
The strategy focuses on:
- Increasing customer visits
- Improving service speed
- Enhancing restaurant efficiency
- Strengthening long-term profitability
McDonald’s says the initiative will help improve “unit economics” while modernizing the customer experience.
Company leadership on AI expansion
McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski said the company’s new strategy is designed to unlock the next phase of growth by improving both productivity and customer experience.
He also emphasized improvements in food quality, restaurant design, and service innovation.
In internal communications, McDonald’s leadership outlined priorities such as:
- Improving taste and consistency at scale
- Making restaurants easier to operate
- Enhancing customer experience and hospitality
Previous AI attempts,clessons learned
This is not McDonald’s first attempt at using AI in drive-thrus.
The company previously partnered with IBM to test automated order-taking systems in more than 100 locations. However, that program was discontinued in 2024 after failing to meet expectations.
Despite that setback, McDonald’s is now revisiting the concept with improved technology and stronger AI capabilities.
Although the current system remains in testing, franchise operators suggest that McDonald’s is preparing for a broader rollout.
Reports indicate that restaurants across the United States are already receiving technology upgrades in anticipation of future deployment.
If successful, the AI system could eventually become a standard feature across McDonald’s drive-thrus nationwide.
Future of fast food automation
McDonald’s executives say the goal is not only automation but also improving the overall customer experience.
According to global chief restaurant experience officer Jill McDonald, the company is working to:
- Improve menu quality and consistency
- Innovate in high-demand categories like chicken, beef, and beverages
- Create more seamless and “feel-good” customer interactions
