McDonald's Tests Google-Backed AI Drive-Thru Ordering System Called ArchIQ

Jun 10, 2026

McDonald's is testing a new Google-backed AI drive-thru system, ArchIQ, at five U.S. locations. The system handles orders and monitors restaurant operations, like freezer status. This follows a failed 2024 pilot with IBM that ended due to order errors. The test is part of the "McDonald's > NEXT" growth plan, as the company and competitors like Wendy's explore automation amid declining drive-thru traffic.

ArchIQ system capabilities

▪McDonald’s is testing a new AI drive-thru system called ArchIQ, nicknamed “Archy,” at five U.S. locations.
▪The ArchIQ system has processed over one million transactions with a 90% success rate without human intervention, according to a franchisee account.
▪The ArchIQ system can take orders in English and Spanish and can recognize repeat customers' "usual order."
▪A video demonstration showed the ArchIQ system greeting customers, processing order changes, and displaying the final total.

Google cloud infrastructure deployment

▪U.S. McDonald’s restaurants are receiving Google Edge Cloud blades ahead of the ArchIQ system's rollout.
▪The ArchIQ AI system is being developed in partnership with Google.

Previous IBM pilot failure

▪McDonald's previously tested an automated ordering system with IBM across more than 100 restaurants, but ended the pilot in 2024.
▪The IBM pilot was terminated due to customer complaints about order errors, including one instance of adding over $250 in chicken nuggets.

Restaurant operations monitoring

▪The ArchIQ system can also identify and flag operational problems such as kitchen bottlenecks.
▪Beyond ordering, ArchIQ can monitor restaurant equipment and alert managers to issues like a malfunctioning freezer.

McDonald's growth strategy

▪In 2025, McDonald's systemwide sales to loyalty members grew 20% to nearly $37 billion, with active users rising 19% to almost 210 million.
▪McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski said increased automation raises the standard for hospitality when customers do interact with staff.
▪The test is part of McDonald's "McDonald’s > NEXT" growth plan, aimed at improving restaurant operations and unit economics.

Industry automation trends

▪Drive-thru traffic in 2025 was consistently negative, with monthly figures between minus 5% and minus 8%, according to QSR Magazine.
▪Other fast-food chains, including Taco Bell and Wendy’s, have also announced AI-powered drive-thru ordering systems.