McDonald’s in Texas, US has begun testing its first-ever robot restaurant. The restaurant is fully automated and has no human contact to order and pick up your meal, reported Newsweek. A video of the fully-automated McDonald’s is going viral on the internet.
The video shows that customers can place an order by using automated screens and collect it via a machine. The restaurant is outside Fort Worth, Texas and it features an “order ahead lane”. In this customers receive the meal via a conveyor belt, kiosks to place orders to go and pick-up shelves for meals reported New York Post.
“The technology in this restaurant not only allows us to serve our customers in new, innovative ways, it gives our restaurant team the ability to concentrate more on order speed and accuracy, which makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone,” Keith Vanecek, the franchisee operating the test restaurant, explained in a statement this month.
The 29-second clip posted last week by TikTok user @foodiemunster shows an empty restaurant with no seating. A machine pushes orders to customers at the drive-thru.
In its statement, McDonald’s noted the restaurant is “considerably smaller” than its traditional stores because it’s geared to people dining at home or on the go.
There is a room for couriers to retrieve orders; “several” parking spaces dedicated to curbside pick-up; and designated parking spaces for delivery drivers.
The foodie’s fast footage — which is serving 1.3 million views, and counting — is drawing heated reaction from McFans.
“If they forget an item, who you supposed to tell, the robot?” one TikToker gulped. “It defeats the purpose of using the drive thru if you have to go inside for it.”
“No thanks. I love the people that work there. I want to hear voices and see faces. I want to see smiles at both windows!!!!” another grimaced.
But others are lovin’ it.
“Finally, my order will be quick and accurate,” one user toasted.
“Awesome. No more attitude at the counter,” another ribbed.
And everyone seems to agree, robots or not, the ice-cream machine will still be fried.
McDonald’s emphasized the restaurant is in the “test and learn” phase, and it’s toying with the concept as part of its “Accelerating the Arches” plan to deliver across five areas: “purpose, mission, values, growth pillars and our foundation of running great restaurants.”
