Call it a boon or a curse, artificial intelligence (AI) is slowly taking over the world. Today, you will see the widespread use of the technology, where machines are being used to mimic human intelligence, thereby speeding up the overall workflow. Not just that, the food and hospitality industry is investing heavily in AI to increase efficiency – an example of this is fast food giant McDonald’s. Over the past few years, we have received news of how the chain has been experimenting with the technology to speed up its process. However, recently, McDonald’s has reportedly withdrawn one of its AI-based pilot projects after repeated errors.
Also read: How popular food chains use artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver and prepare your food faster
According to a CNN report, McDonald’s has decided to withdraw its AI drive-thru voice ordering system that was being tested in over 100 restaurants in the United States. The report further states that the move was possibly taken after an alleged complaint by a social media user went viral, showing the system picking up the wrong orders from cars, creating bizarre food combinations, and more.
McDonald’s has stopped testing voice assistants for ordering due to customer complaints. This test was done in collaboration with IBM.
An example of this is this video from TikTok which shows the AI ending every sentence with a question mark? pic.twitter.com/xQtTVpw4in
— The AI Optimist ?? (@AI__Optimist) June 20, 2024
In a statement, McDonald’s “announced it is ending its partnership with IBM on AOT (automated order taking),” reports CNBC. “All restaurants currently testing this technology will be discontinued before July 26, 2024,” the statement said, adding that they will continue to use other IBM products across the system, however.
Fox Business believes McDonald’s has partnered with IBM in 2021 to begin testing an AI drive-thru to determine if the technology can “simplify operations for the crew and create a faster, better experience.”
Also read: India aims to promote artificial intelligence in food processing sector: Report
Following McDonald’s announcement about the conclusion of AI drive-thru trials, people took to social media to share their thoughts on the use of AI-powered solutions.
“McDonald’s has halted its AI drive-thru trials. Automated ordering systems are being shut down at over 100 locations. Are AI-powered solutions the future of fast food, or just a passing trend?” read a post on social media platform X.
“This is so disappointing on so many levels,” one comment said.
One person wrote, “You can’t replace everything with AI. Even if you use AI, there must be human intervention.”
Another comment said, “Human touch is still the best option.”
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