McDonald's is trialling a new AI-powered drive-thru assistant called Archy at five restaurants across the US as part of its wider push to modernise operations through artificial intelligence.

The voice ordering system forms part of the company's recently unveiled McDonald's Next strategy and is powered by a new AI platform developed in partnership with Google. The technology is designed to improve speed of service, enhance order accuracy and streamline restaurant operations.

Early results from the pilot appear promising. According to a video shared by prominent franchisee and social media commentator McFranchisee, Archy has already processed more than one million transactions, with around 90% of orders completed without the need for staff intervention.

The AI assistant is capable of taking drive-thru orders in both English and Spanish, helping customers place orders naturally while reducing pressure on restaurant teams during busy periods.

McFranchisee said in a post on X:

"We are currently in five test stores, having processed over one million transactions with about 90% of orders completed without human escalations."

Although the programme remains in its pilot phase, preparations for a broader rollout may already be underway. McFranchisee claimed that McDonald's restaurants across the US are receiving technology upgrades that could support a wider deployment of the system in the future.

The latest initiative marks McDonald's second attempt at introducing AI-powered drive-thru ordering. The company previously partnered with IBM to test automated order-taking technology at more than 100 locations but ended the programme in 2024 after deciding not to expand the trial.

With advances in generative AI and voice recognition technology accelerating, Archy represents McDonald's latest effort to use artificial intelligence to improve customer experience and operational efficiency across its restaurant estate.