From first Lady Melania Trump to McDonald’s, it seems like robots are a hot accessory this spring. Melania was accompanied by a robot during a recent event at the White Hose, and a Chinese McDonald’s recently recruited bots to help out at one of its locations.
Like a scene out of “The Jetsons” or “Star Wars”, the Shanghai, China, McDonald’s location had robots rolling around and more humanoid versions behind the counter from March 14 through March 19, according to several reports. The New York Post, the Daily Mail and Digital Trends all reported on the event.
“Videos posted on social media captured the myriad of lifelike robots at a McDonald’s in Shanghai performing routine tasks typically completed by human workers, such as greeting customers and delivering food,” said The New York Post.
According to Digital Trends, the restaurant was testing the humanoid robots in roles that are usually held by humans. Other robots were mostly around to entertain customers.
“Truth be told, the robots don’t look particularly advanced, but a video showing them in action does hint at a future where bipedal bots and other machines handle routine tasks at fast food restaurants, from welcoming customers and taking orders to delivering food and cleaning the floor,” said the outlet.
It also noted that the robots were supplied by Keenon Robotics, a Chinese firm. Keenon posted a video from an event at the fast food restaurant.
Jon Banner, EVP and Global Chief Impact Officer said in an X post that the robots “were part of the grand opening of the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum restaurant.” He added that they were “requested by the museum to draw attention through a temporary greeting.”
Though the McDonald’s robots were apparently just a temporary display, Digital Trends also reported that the event came at “a time of economic contradiction in China, where businesses in some sectors are struggling to hire even as millions of young people face difficulty finding work.”
Labor issues aren’t unique to China. In the U.S., Audacy reported just last month on research that indicates 20% of jobs are vulnerable to automation. Delivery robots have also been causing trouble in Chicago, Ill., where they have shattered bus stop glass.
Regarding its technology, Keenon said the McDonald’s display was “a showcase of how service automation is becoming a seamless part of global dining, and how technology brings more smiles to every mealtime.”
However, Banner noted that the robots at McDonald’s were not actually involved in any operational or service functions.
