McDonald’s just canned its AI-powered drive-thru system, and now it’s back with a new one – this time, teaming up with Google. The fast food giant launched ArchIQ, a Google-powered AI ordering system, at its Worldwide Convention in Las Vegas last week.
ArchIQ has already earned the nickname ‘Archy’ among McDonald’s franchisees, who will be the first to test the system. This marks a major shift in the company’s AI strategy, which dropped its previous AI-powered drive-thru system due to technical issues and customer complaints. Google’s involvement is expected to bring a fresh set of technical capabilities to the table.
Google’s AI Know-How and McDonald’s Drive-Thru Hopes
ArchIQ is built on top of Google’s Dialogflow CX platform, a customer service AI tool that allows for easy integration with Google’s other products. By leveraging Google’s expertise in AI, McDonald’s aims to create a smoother and more efficient drive-thru experience for customers. The system will reportedly enable customers to order using voice commands or touchscreens.
What this means: Easier ordering and reduced errors
ArchIQ’s integration with Google’s AI technology could lead to significant improvements in drive-thru efficiency. If successful, customers can expect faster ordering times and reduced errors in their orders. This is a significant step forward for McDonald’s, which has faced criticism over its previous AI-powered drive-thru system. By partnering with Google, McDonald’s is betting on a more user-friendly and reliable experience for its customers.
