McDonald's Tests Google-Powered AI for Drive-Thru Orders
McDonald's is piloting ArchIQ, an artificial intelligence operating system built with Google, to handle drive-thru orders and kitchen operations across five U.S. locations. The system includes Archy, a voice-based assistant that takes customer orders without human intervention.
The company announced the initiative this week at its Worldwide Convention in Las Vegas as part of a broader strategy called McDonald's Next, which covers menu redesign, restaurant layout, customer engagement, and staffing changes.
What ArchIQ Does
ArchIQ is designed to reduce unnecessary work for crew members by automating kitchen operations and order management. According to a franchisee account on X, the system has processed more than one million transactions, with approximately 90 percent completed without human intervention. The system handles orders in both English and Spanish.
McDonald's has not independently confirmed these transaction figures or the bilingual capability.
Hardware Rollout Underway
Every U.S. McDonald's location is receiving Google Edge Cloud hardware in preparation for a broader rollout, according to the franchisee account. The company has not disclosed which five restaurants are testing Archy or announced a timeline for wider deployment.
Second Attempt at Voice Ordering
This marks McDonald's second push into AI-powered drive-thru systems. The chain ended a partnership with IBM in 2024 after testing voice ordering at more than 100 locations. Customers reported erroneous orders, including unwanted items being added to their transactions.
At the time, McDonald's said it would explore voice ordering solutions more broadly-a commitment the ArchIQ pilot appears to fulfill.
Broader Restaurant Updates
McDonald's also unveiled a new restaurant prototype featuring updated ordering systems and redesigned interiors. Franchisees can adopt the new design during remodels. The company previewed additional menu items, including hand-breaded McCrispy chicken and new beverages.
CEO Chris Kempczinski said the company aims to deliver both speed and customer service. "In a world where every restaurant is a swipe away, there is no such thing as second place," he said.
For operations teams evaluating AI Agents & Automation or AI for Operations, McDonald's approach demonstrates how large-scale deployments require hardware infrastructure, phased testing, and recovery strategies after setbacks.
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