In Fort Worth, Texas, if you feel like having some fast food, you can just drive up to the McDonald’s run by robots. Yes, you read that right. Robots are now serving customers in Texas, as McDonalds looks for ways to speed up its customer service.
In a press release, Max Carmona, Senior Director, Global Design & Restaurant Development, McDonald’s, noted that the company is continuously striving to improve its customer service and finding new ways to serve them faster and easier.
The robot McDonald’s has freaked some people out but the company clarified that it is designed for customers on the move.
McDonalds run by robots: “Fast” Food With a Twist
When some people expressed concerns about the move, McDonald’s clarified that only the counter is automated while the kitchen is staffed by humans.
There is an Order Ahead Lane that makes it easier for the team to get a head start on orders when customers are in the vicinity of the restaurant. The restaurant’s app updates, food and beverage conveyor, and new kitchen format all streamline operations making for faster delivery.
The automated McDonalds is built for customers who want to eat on the go or at home. Having a McDonalds run by robots means that the company wants increased efficiency and quicker turnaround times.
Keith Vanecek, the franchisee operating the McDonalds robot store, revealed that they are focusing on speed and accuracy, and that this test run will give them a better idea on how to plan future operations.
The uniqueness of the robot McDonald’s has started attracting its fair share of customers and the company is excited to test new ideas and technology.
Having automated takeaway restaurants could save customer service workers manning the counter from abuse and harassment.
So, while McDonald’s celebrated the innovation some people expressed their displeasure. Experts also pointed out that for all its benefits, a McDonalds run by robots also means that there will be job losses in the near future if this goes mainstream. It will also take away a customer’s ability to make complaints and get the mistake rectified instantly.
Industries that will use robots
Investments in robots and AI have risen over the years. According to AI Index by Stanford, the private investment in AI in 2021 totaled around $93.5 billion—more than double the total private investment in 2020, and is expected to continue growing.
Restaurants and hotels can automate the front-desk for a faster system. But in doing so, they lose the ability to build relationships with customers. Having a clinical check-in or check-out might put a dampener on customer experience as research has repeatedly shown that people value a personalized experience.
Law enforcement might soon deploy robots for work that is considered dangerous for humans. Robots are used for currently used bomb disposals, mine clearance, search and rescue, combat support, and surveillance. In the future, they might also be deployed for guard duties and in active battles.
Just like in restaurants, robots can automate the farming sector. The weeding, planting, harvesting, husking, and packing of products might be completely performed by robots.
The delivery industry has already started experimenting with robots and drones. Tech giant Amazon has experimented with delivery robots in the past. While the technology still needs to be refined, it might not be long before we see robots making deliveries. This move will likely reduce jobs and cut back on pollution, as delivery drivers would be made redundant.
Assembling and manufacturing products that incorporate hazardous materials can be done using robots. Automating these processes will save human life, although creativity might take a hit.
AI can also help improve medical procedures, where accuracy is paramount. Certain surgical procedures employ robots to perform the process as they have greater precision. The medical robotics market is expected to balloon in the coming years.
Retail and trade is also expected to be automated in the future. Employing robots reduces errors and improves quality, while helping cut back costs. Growing completion has also forced the retail sector to automate processes to match quality and demand. Visual capitalist reports that almost 50% of jobs in the retail sector in the US might be automated in the next few years.
The automotive industry has already started using large robots to assemble vehicles and weld metal parts. Using robots to assist in the construction of vehicles has been life-saving, as it has helped distance people from hazardous substances and situations.
Conclusion
If the McDonald’s run by robots is a success, it will lead to many more franchisees using robots at their drive-thru or take-away locations. The first experimental restaurant has managed to freak out some people while others have taken to social media to express their delight at the lack of human interaction.
The fast food chain is constantly finding ways to make its processes faster and smoother. A McDonalds robot store is just the beginning of what is to come. Nearly two years ago, the company started testing AI software that could take drive-thru orders. After dabbling and experimenting with it for a while, the chain sold the technology to IBM to take it ahead.
As the world recovers from a pandemic and the ensuing lack of social interactions, McDonald’s new venture just might give us an insight into what different demographics want and how companies can fulfill them
