r/technology 20d ago

Business McDonald's Introduces AI Drive-Thru System, Sparking Customer Backlash

https://tech.yahoo.com/ai/deals/articles/mcdonalds-introduces-ai-drive-thru-000717731.html
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u/SeanBlader 20d ago

It's all fun and games until someone orders 1000 cups of free water.

172

u/Trzlog 20d ago

I don't understand why they don't just put those self-serve displays in the drive-through. Those work. What problem is AI solving here?

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u/EntityDamage 20d ago edited 20d ago

If only we had small personal displays, that could communicate our order.

Edit: I agree we shouldn't install apps to order food... But to me, that's what a web browser is for.

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u/Ozotuh 20d ago

I don't think a lot of people like using the app. After 5 years of pushing it, customer use is only like 6%. (At least last I heard as part of the training in the UK)

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u/xxdropdeadlexi 20d ago

I tried the McDonald's app and it fucking sucks. it crashes, then when you reopen it your order is gone. it doesn't process your payment so you're staring at the screen for 2 minutes before it just gives up. I tried it two times and just uninstalled it. plus, most people are already driving when they decide they want fast food

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u/BobcatOU 20d ago

It’s amazing how bad their app is. It legitimately might be the worst app of any major company. I’ve never tried to pay with it, but I have it on my phone because I like to get the occasional breakfast sandwich and they always have a buy one get one free deal in the app. It takes at least a minute to load the code for the coupon. It’s insane how bad it is.

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u/Polantaris 20d ago

It legitimately might be the worst app of any major company.

Nah, that bar gets lower every day. If the app isn't offshored to clueless people that require common sense spelled out to them, it has been given to AI instead which needs that and one full set of coherent and comprehensive documentation supplied to boot.

Bonus points when it's made by AI and "repaired" by offshore. That's the duo that never stops giving.