Texas opens First ever fully automated McDonald’s where no humans work
McDonald’s has started testing its first robot restaurant in Texas, which has generated equal parts disagreement and curiosity.
Ordering from and picking up your favourite food at the Forth Worth, Texas location is handled entirely by automated machines.
A video posted by user foodiemunster on TikTok and Instagram from inside the introvert’s paradise went viral online. With over a million and a half views, this film demonstrates how fast food can be ordered and picked up using automated screens.
In a statement, McDonald’s detailed the additional features available at the restaurant, one of which is a “Order Ahead lane” that allows customers to have their food delivered via conveyor belt.
McDonald’s “Accelerating the Arches” expansion strategy, which focuses on improving the customer experience via innovation, has its roots in the opening of this restaurant.
“When you step inside the test restaurant concept, you’ll notice it’s considerably smaller than a traditional McDonald’s restaurant in the U.S. Why? The features—inside and outside—are geared toward customers who are planning to dine at home or on the go,” According to McDonald’s official release.
“Inside the restaurant, there’s a delivery pick-up room for couriers to retrieve orders quickly and conveniently. There are also kiosks, where customers can place their orders to go, and a pick-up shelf for orders. Outside the restaurant, there are several parking spaces dedicated to curbside order pick-up, as well as designated parking spaces for delivery drivers.”
People were divided online regarding the ethical implications of the new technology after it was introduced.
People have commented things like “Well, there goes millions of jobs,” and “This will put so many people out of work,” said another commenter. “I’m not for it.”
Another user said, “Who are all the Karens supposed to scream at now? The robots?”