- McDonald’s is planning to integrate Google AI into its operations in 2024, involving hardware and software upgrades across thousands of its stores.
- The integration of AI has raised concerns and skepticism.
- The full impact of this AI deployment will only become apparent in the coming years.
McDonald’s is set to integrate Google AI into its operations in 2024, with hardware and software upgrades in thousands of stores.
This partnership aims to optimise operations using generative AI, promising “hotter, fresher food” for customers, though specifics remain unclear.
Some customers may be excited about the promise thanks to AI. They might look forward to improved food quality and consistency.
However, there are also lots of concerns and skepticism.
“Dope a.i. assistant name – pickles,” someone joked on Reddit. The comment topped the first hot comment, enough to show that people are not particularly optimistic about the future of this move.
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Privacy and data concerns
The integration of AI in McDonald’s operations has raised concerns about privacy and data security.
A data breach in 2021 impacted many customers and employees, leading to the theft of personal information, including customer emails, phone numbers, and addresses, as well as employee names and contact information.
The use of AI to collect data on customer preferences and habits to optimise fry production could raise worries about how the data is being used and whether it is adequately protected.
Curiosity about AI’s role
Some may be skeptical about the effectiveness of AI in ensuring food freshness, questioning whether it can truly deliver on its promises. They might be concerned that it’s more of a marketing gimmick than a practical improvement.
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Skepticism about job displacement
The integration of AI in McDonald’s operations has raised concerns about job displacement due to increased automation. Some fear that the widespread implementation of AI in McDonald’s restaurants may lead to job losses and have potential impacts on the economy.
While McDonald’s has emphasized that the AI system will reduce complexity for staff and enhance customer experiences, the full impact of this AI deployment on the job market will only become clear in the coming years.
Those on X commented: “Guidance hmm sounds more like replacing to me… but $PICKLES tho”.
Other concerns
There are also concerns about the need for reskilling and upskilling of the workforce to adapt to the new era of automation and AI.
Additionally, the use of AI in recruiting, such as the AI solution used by McDonald’s to make recruiting quicker, is also a part of the company’s AI integration.
Of course, McDonald’s has emphasized that the AI system will reduce complexity for staff and enhance customer experiences.
The full impact of this AI deployment will only become clear in the coming years as the fast-food giant seeks to unify its mobile app and kiosk experiences for more informed and automated operations.
