McDonald's is shifting its operations by ditching cashiers and introducing a robot-driven ordering system. The new system, called ArchIQ or "Archy", has been introduced at five locations in the United States. The technology is backed by Google and was showcased during McDonald's Worldwide convention last month.
According to Restaurant Business, which reported on the initiative, the new system allows customers to order their food through a smartphone app or kiosk. Once an order is placed, Archy takes over, automating the ordering process for the restaurant staff. This means that cashiers will no longer be required to operate during peak hours.
The move aims to increase efficiency and reduce labor costs for McDonald's restaurants. However, it also raises concerns about job security for existing staff members who may lose their jobs as a result of automation. The company has not yet announced any plans to replace the cashiers with robots permanently, but the introduction of Archy is seen as an interim measure until the technology can be scaled up or replaced by other systems.