Observed Signal · Jun 18, 2024 · Deprecation · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
McDonald's Ends AI Drive-Thru Test with IBM
McDonald's is ending its two-year trial of AI-powered drive-thru voice ordering with IBM at over 100 US locations. The company stated that voice ordering will remain part of its future and is evaluating new solutions, aiming to decide by the end of 2024. The IBM technology will be switched off in all test restaurants by July 26, 2024. According to an email from Mason Smoot, Chief Restaurant Officer for McDonald's USA, the decision follows a careful review. McDonald's also has a separate partnership with Google for generative AI to improve ordering efficiency. Other chains like Wendy's, Carl's Jr., and Taco Johns are similarly experimenting with AI ordering. McDonald's emphasizes that IBM remains a trusted partner and that AI integration in drive-thrus is a strategic step towards better service and efficiency.
McDonald's ends major AI drive-thru test with IBM, indicating a strategy shift in voice ordering, but limited direct impact on AdTech.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- McDonald's ends its AI drive-thru test with IBM after two years.
- The test involved over 100 US locations.
- Technology will be shut down by July 26, 2024.
- McDonald's will select a new voice ordering solution by the end of 2024.
- McDonald's partnered with Google for generative AI in December.
Connected Companies & Entities
5 Entities mapped“McDonald’s betont, dass IBM weiterhin ein „vertrauenswürdiger Partner“ bleibt und viele ihrer Produkte global genutzt werden....”
“Nach einer sorgfältigen Überprüfung hat McDonald’s entschieden, unsere aktuelle Partnerschaft mit IBM zu beenden....”
“Neben IBM hat McDonald’s im Dezember eine Partnerschaft mit Google geschlossen, die sich auf die Nutzung generativer KI konzentriert....”
“Auch andere Fast-Food-Ketten wie Wendy’s, Carl’s Jr. und Taco Johns experimentieren mit ähnlichen Technologien....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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