Would You Like AI With That? Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work in the Fast Food Industry 

4 Min Read By James White

Forget data centers and distant research labs: your local quick service restaurant may soon be the frontline of AI adoption in the real world. 

McDonald’s has plans for a significant AI overhaul while Yum! Brands – parent of KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut – is partnering with Nvidia to accelerate the development of AI technologies for its restaurants. Chick-fil-A already uses smart cameras and drone footage to optimize speed and accuracy at its drive-through sites. 

It’s no surprise that the fast food chains, which have over 100,000 outlets between them, see opportunities for AI efficiencies. For starters, their plans include using AI agents to run repetitive admin; applying voice-automated AI to drive-through and back-office operations; implementing computer vision to speed up meal delivery; and sensor-tagging hard-working kitchen kit to predict maintenance needs. 

That all sounds like good news for time-pressed consumers and stressed-out kitchen and counter staff. As Brian…