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By Toby Meyjes
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McDonald's is testing a new AI-powered drive-thru ordering system, reviving an automation push the company shelved just two years ago after a high-profile trial ended amid accuracy concerns.
The fast-food giant's CEO, Chris Kempczinski, told Bloomberg earlier this month that McDonald's is developing AI drive-thru technology with Google that is now about 90 percent accurate.
The move places McDonald's at the center of a broader industry shift as major restaurant chains increasingly experiment with artificial intelligence to speed up service, reduce ordering errors and streamline operations.
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According to the X account McFranchisee—widely cited as belonging to a McDonald's franchisee but not independently verified by Newsweek—the system, known internally as "Archy," is currently being tested in five restaurants.
Newsweek has contacted McDonald's for comment
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Why McDonald's Is Trying AI Again
McDonald's ended an earlier AI drive-thru partnership in 2024 after customers shared viral examples of incorrect orders and misunderstandings.
The company now appears to believe advances in the technology have improved reliability enough to justify another attempt.
In a message shared by McDonald's earlier this month, Kempczinski outlined a company growth strategy which includes a greater role for artificial intelligence and automation across operations.
The renewed push comes as competitors also expand their use of AI-powered ordering systems.
Which Fast-Food Chains Are Using AI Ordering?
McDonald's is far from alone in experimenting with AI ordering.
Wendy's, Taco Bell and White Castle are among the most prominent adopters of voice AI in drive-thru lanes.
Wendy's has expanded its FreshAI system after partnering with Google, while Yum! Brands CEO Chris Turner has said Taco Bell plans a broader rollout of AI ordering technology.
White Castle has also incorporated AI-powered ordering into newer restaurant formats.
Other chains—including Bojangles, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Popeyes, Checkers and Rally's—have tested or piloted similar technology as the industry explores automation at scale.
What AI Drive-Thrus Could Change for Customers
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For customers, AI ordering could alter one of the most familiar parts of the fast-food experience.
Some systems can handle multiple languages, process complex requests and suggest additional menu items based on orders, which companies argue improves consistency and efficiency.
Wendy's said in a May 2025 press release that customers described its FreshAI technology as a "game changer," with some saying it provided a clearer and more consistent ordering experience than speaking to a human employee.
Kempczinski has argued that automation should improve speed without sacrificing customer service.
"As more of the customer journey becomes automated, there are fewer opportunities for guests to connect with crew," he said.
"With fewer interactions, the bar for hospitality that makes people feel seen, welcomed, and valued only goes up."
The technology has not always worked flawlessly. Last year, Taco Bell told The Wall Street Journal it was reassessing aspects of its AI drive-thru strategy after a viral video appeared to show a customer crashing the system by ordering 18,000 cups of water.
What It Could Mean for Fast-Food Workers
The rollout of AI ordering has also raised questions about the impact on restaurant jobs.
Some technology executives have predicted automation could eventually replace many customer-facing positions. In 2023, Valyant AI founder Rob Carpenter told Fox News that the majority of restaurant jobs could be automated within the next decade.
Restaurant companies, however, generally frame AI as a tool designed to support workers rather than replace them.
Wendy's has said FreshAI "empowers" employees by allowing them to focus on hospitality and customer service instead of managing orders in busy drive-thru lanes.
A similar argument has been made by McDonald's franchisees. In a post on X, McFranchisee said employees had been asking for the technology because it could reduce the challenges of hearing orders in noisy drive-thrus.
"This goal of AI is making their jobs easier," the account wrote. "Instead of struggling to hear orders in noisy drive thrus while taking cash, our crew can focus on the customer at the window with a smile and better service."
Whether AI ordering ultimately reduces staffing levels remains unclear. What is clear is that more major chains are investing in the technology, suggesting artificial intelligence is likely to become a much larger part of the fast-food experience in the years ahead.
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