McDonald’s is piloting a new artificial intelligence ordering system for drive-thru customers called ArchIQ, which multiple outlets describe as Google-powered and also nicknamed “Archy.” The system was introduced during the company’s Worldwide Convention in Las Vegas as part of a broader push to use AI in restaurant operations and ordering. According to reports, McDonald’s is testing ArchIQ at five locations in the United States, though the outlets say the specific restaurants have not been identified publicly.
Several sources note that the effort follows an earlier trial that did not meet expectations, including references to a prior ordering bot experiment that became disruptive or “viral” and was described as ending poorly. News coverage frames the new test as a second attempt to improve drive-thru ordering experiences and restaurant throughput using AI, including a voice-based assistant concept. While outlets agree on the name, the Google linkage, and the five-location pilot, they generally do not provide detailed performance results, timelines, or information about when a nationwide rollout would occur. McDonald’s has not publicly specified the test sites in the reports summarized here.
