McDonald’s tests Google-backed AI drive-thru ordering system

Last updated: August 25, 2026

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McDonald’s is testing a new AI system that can take drive-thru orders and support restaurant operations.

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The system, called ArchIQ and nicknamed “Archy,” was introduced during the company’s Worldwide convention, according to Restaurant Business. It is being tested at five McDonald’s locations in the United States, though the company has not named the restaurants involved.

A video shared on X by a McDonald’s franchise owner showed the system greeting customers, processing order changes, displaying the final total, and asking customers to pull ahead for pickup.

A demonstration shared on X by the franchisee account McFranchisee showed the system taking orders in English and Spanish. The account said the system has processed more than one million transactions, with about 90% of orders completed without being escalated to staff.

The same account said ArchIQ can respond when repeat customers ask for their usual order. McDonald’s has not provided technical details on how that feature works.

ArchIQ is being developed with Google. According to McFranchisee, McDonald’s restaurants in the US are receiving Google Edge Cloud blades ahead of the rollout.

McDonald’s previous AI ordering test

ArchIQ is McDonald’s latest AI test for drive-thru ordering. The company previously worked with IBM on an automated ordering system across more than 100 restaurants.

McDonald’s ended that pilot in 2024 after customer complaints over order errors. The earlier IBM test was followed by customer videos showing incorrect orders, including one case in which the system reportedly added more than $250 worth of chicken nuggets.

After ending the IBM partnership, McDonald’s said it would continue exploring voice ordering technology.

Restaurant operations support

ArchIQ is not limited to customer ordering. McFranchisee said it can monitor restaurants and alert managers to possible issues.

According to McFranchisee, the system can alert managers if a freezer is down. It can also flag kitchen bottlenecks or other problems that need attention.

McFranchisee described ArchIQ as both an ordering tool and a management-support tool.

The test forms part of McDonald’s new growth plan, called “McDonald’s > NEXT.” The company said the plan is intended to improve restaurant operations and unit economics.

McDonald’s reported a large digital customer base in its 2025 results. The company said systemwide sales to loyalty members across 70 markets rose 20% to nearly US$37 billion in 2025, while 90-day active loyalty users rose 19% to nearly 210 million at year-end.

McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski said in a press release that the strategy is aimed at the company’s next phase of growth and productivity.

The company has also referenced restaurant upgrades and possible menu changes under the same plan, but has not provided detailed information.

Automation and service

In a company memo, Kempczinski said more of the customer journey is becoming automated, leaving fewer chances for guests to interact with crew members. He said that it raises the standard for hospitality when customers interact with staff.

QSR Magazine’s 2025 Drive-Thru Report, citing Revenue Management Solutions, said drive-thru traffic remained negative month after month and hovered between minus 5% and minus 8% in 2025.

Other fast-food chains have also announced AI-powered drive-thru ordering systems, including Taco Bell and Wendy’s.

Jonathan Maze, editor-in-chief of Restaurant Business, told ABC News that companies often present drive-thru automation as a way to free employees for other tasks. The McFranchisee account said the system could reduce the need for workers to take orders in noisy drive-thru lanes.

Some X users responding to the ArchIQ demonstration said they preferred interacting with human workers. Others supported a more automated ordering process.

McDonald’s has not said when ArchIQ could be expanded beyond the five test locations. The company has said the system is intended to improve speed and accuracy while supporting customers and crew.

The company’s AI drive-thru system remains in limited testing.

(Photo by Boshoku)

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