SMRTR AIJun 14, 2026PYMNTS

McDonald’s Fired Its AI. Now It’s Back With Google’s.

SMRTR summary

McDonald's has relaunched AI-powered drive-thru ordering using Google's technology, called ArchIQ — nicknamed "Archy" — after scrapping a failed IBM partnership in 2024 that produced embarrassing errors like nine sweet teas on one order. Already tested at five U.S. locations, the system has handled over 1 million orders with 90% requiring no employee help, and every U.S. location is receiving hardware in preparation for a wider rollout.

SMRTR provides this summary for quick context. The original article belongs to PYMNTS.

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