AI has taken the world by storm over the past year and it seems everyone is hopping on the trend. Software like Chat GPT is being implemented for all types of workflows and social media platforms such as Snapchat now offer a helpful, personalized AI bot, ready and waiting to assist users with anything they might need. A particular niche of artists is even attempting to create AI artwork and music using apps like WOMBO Dream. With AI quickly spreading to every corner of the U.S., it’s no surprise that fast food monoliths are testing the best way to use AI to their advantage as well.
At the end of last year, McDonald’s Restaurants began testing its first fully automated location in Fort Worth, Texas that requires no human contact to order and pick up your favorite meal. The restaurant implemented a number of new features, including automated screens, kiosks, a machine that dispenses customer orders and an Order Ahead Lane where customers can order in advance and pick up the food off of a conveyer belt, among others.
While these locations are smaller in size to better serve “To Go” rather than “Dine In” customers, they do not fully operate without a team of workers like science fiction movies would have us believe.
"The technology in this restaurant not only allows us to serve our customers in new, innovative ways, it gives our restaurant team the ability to concentrate more on order speed and accuracy, which makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone," explains Keith Vanecek, the franchisee operating the test restaurant.
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As is always the case with innovations in technology, making major changes to a system so ingrained in society isn’t exactly black and white. There are multiple steps McDonald’s, and any other fast-food corporation that follows suit, will have to go through before implementing these changes in each of their locations.
The health and safety of employees and customers should always be at the top of any corporation’s list. This can easily be accomplished by obtaining the proper permits and reviews needed to maintain a safe working environment.
Fully automating any dining establishment would require restaurants to completely reconfigure their buildings to accommodate for the replacement of personnel. It would also include architectural and structural reconfigurations, along with new cabling for both high and low voltage wiring that would be for new cooking machines and order-taking applications (similar to the in-building, self-service ordering board kiosk option currently at some McDonald’s locations).
The local health department would likely require a review for the new cooking machines and food prep operation, while the zoning department may require a review to determine if the new layout will still fall within the original (or current) zoning code for occupancy. In addition, the parking lot and drive thru options would completely need to be reconfigured to adjust to the new traffic flow pattern and parking space requirements.
The world is always growing and changing with new technology and ideas. If you don’t adapt along with it, you—and your business—could easily get stuck in the past. As AI software is being tested throughout the U.S. and around the rest of the globe, it’s important to move swiftly so that you aren’t left behind.
Express Permits offers faster permits through quick turnaround times that are customized to your individual needs. We work hard to cultivate our knowledge of local permit regulations for unmatched service. So, no matter the location of your construction site, we can provide service like we are in your own backyard. Faster permitting is one of the goals we strive to deliver for our clients.
Receive a free quote on our permit management services today or contact us for more information. You can also learn of all the regions, states and cities that we serve with our professional, faster permits services by visiting this Express Permits section.
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