McDonald’s tests Archy AI voice assistant for drive-thru orders

McDonald’s is testing a new generative AI voice assistant named Archy, designed to handle drive-thru orders in English and Spanish. The technology is part of a broader AI system called ArchIQ, which aims to streamline restaurant operations by monitoring kitchen equipment, tracking inventory, and using scales to ensure order accuracy before service.

According to company representatives, the tools could save staff more than 50 hours per week and reduce food waste by 15%. The system utilizes Google Cloud edge computers to process data locally within restaurants. While McDonald’s previously ended a drive-thru AI test with IBM in June 2024, the new Archy system has reportedly achieved over 90% accuracy in early tests.

The company plans to roll out ArchIQ tools in stages starting in 2027, with the goal of completing the edge computing rollout in the US by that year. This initiative is part of McDonald’s wider ‘Next’ strategy, which includes $8.5 billion in franchisee support through 2036.