McDonald's tests AI voice at Sydney drive-thru
McDonald's is testing artificial intelligence to take drive-thru orders at its Schofields restaurant in Sydney's west.
The fast-food giant has launched an AI system that greets customers with a digital voice instead of a human crew member at the Schofields location. The technology is being tested mainly during overnight shifts to streamline ordering.
When customers tried to switch drinks mid-order, a human worker had to step in, showing the system is still learning. Chief Restaurant Officer David McMullen said the AI is designed to help crew, not replace them.
Staff are freed up for other tasks like customer service and cleaning. Australia is only the second country after the United States trialling this system.
Over coming weeks, the AI will learn to recognise different menu items and accents.
- Schofields, Sydney
- Location
- Second after United States
- Country rank in trial
- David McMullen
- Chief Restaurant Officer
- 5 since last year
- Hungry Jack's AI locations
Why it mattersYou might soon order from a robot at the drive-thru, but McDonald's says jobs are safe; the tech is meant to speed up orders and free staff for better service.
AustraliaMcDonald's is trialling the technology in Australia for the first time, potentially reshaping how thousands of Australians place fast-food orders at drive-thrus across the country.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 44 min ago
