Humanoid Robots Tested at McDonald’s in China

A McDonald’s location in a city in China has begun testing humanoid robots meant to serve food and engage with customers.

A video shared on social media showcased numerous life-like robots in a Shanghai McDonald’s, performing tasks typically carried out by human staff, like welcoming guests and delivering meals.

Customers were seen interacting with robots dressed in the restaurant’s familiar red and yellow uniforms, while children played with machines outfitted like cute animals.

The robots, provided by Keenon Robotics, are part of a trial at the fast-food chain’s outlets. The company noted on its social media that their humanoid robots are already operating in teams.

“This highlights the growing integration of service automation into dining experiences globally,” Keenon remarked, emphasizing that technology can add joy to mealtimes.

Interestingly, McDonald’s has not yet responded regarding specifics about this trial or whether it signifies a broader strategy concerning the role of humanoid robots in their operations.

This video emerges at a time when there’s rising concern regarding AI and robots taking over jobs traditionally held by human workers. Just recently, reports indicated that Amazon is on track to have more robots than humans in its warehouses, with over a million machines already in operation.

These robots primarily handle labor-intensive tasks—like retrieving items from high shelves or facilitating the movement of products throughout the facility. Some are even advanced enough to aid humans with order sorting and packaging duties.

Currently, about 75% of Amazon’s delivery operations involve some level of robot assistance.