Following unsuccessful deployment of an artificial intelligence ordering system supplied by IBM, McDonald’s has terminated the arrangement.  In a statement McDonald’s noted, “We will continue to evaluate long-term scalable solutions that will help us make an informed decision on a future voice-ordering solution by the end of the year.”  The system was tested in 100 restaurants that generated consumer complaints relating to incorrect orders.

The test of the Automated Order Taking system was based on the prospect of increasing service speed and reducing labor.

After a two-year association with McDonald’s, IBM noted, “This technology is proven to have some of the most comprehensive capabilities in the industry, it is fast and accurate in some of the most demanding conditions.”  Social media postings dispute this claim with bizarre orders including bacon topping on ice cream and 100 chicken nuggets added to an order.

The results of the evaluation suggest the sentiment of Fagin in Oliver who states, “I think we’ll have to think it out again.”