AI Drive-Thru Ordering Could Land in Canada Soon
Fast-food chains testing chatbots that companies say exceed human accuracy. McDonald's and Taco Bell already rolling out systems in the U.S.
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Artificial intelligence is coming to Canadian drive-thru windows. Two U.S. companies that develop voice AI — Presto and SoundHound — say chatbots could arrive at Canadian locations within months, though major chains haven't confirmed plans to CBC News.
The technology has improved dramatically since early pilots in 2021, when customers deliberately tried to break the systems by ordering 100 cups of water or non-existent menu items. McDonald's is now testing a Google-powered AI drive-thru system, while Taco Bell has partnered with Nvidia for its chatbots.
White Castle, a U.S. burger chain, has been running an AI system called Julia at about 40 locations. The chatbot listens to customers and answers questions while orders appear for staff to prepare inside the restaurant. If there's a problem, an employee takes over. White Castle's chief marketing officer Jamie Richardson said the data shows Julia gets most orders right — "well above the 90 per cent range. We found that ordering with Julia is better order accuracy than we experienced prior to Julia."
The system reduces drive-thru wait times and frees up employees for other tasks, Richardson said, adding that White Castle hasn't used it to reduce employment. Some workers are skeptical about the long-term impact. "I hate that this is what the world is coming to. That just means less jobs for humans," one customer said outside the Detroit location.
