Fast-food behemoth McDonald’s is ending a multiyear trial of automated orders at its drive-thrus, wherein artificial intelligence provided by IBM took customer orders.

The technology has been installed at over 100 McDonald’s locations since 2021. On Thursday, McDonald’s told franchisees that the AI order-taking was over.

“After a thoughtful review, McDonald’s has decided to end our current partnership with IBM on AOT, and the technology will be shut off in all restaurants currently testing it no later than July 26, 2024,” McDonald’s USA Chief Restaurant Officer Mason Smoot told franchisees in an internal memo, according to industry website Restaurant Business.

“The goal of the test was to determine if an automated voice ordering solution could simplify operations for crew and create a faster, improved experience for our fans,” McDonald’s told Fox Business.

Automated order-taking was not without its complications. One TikTok video shows AI adding more than 20 extra boxes of 10-piece chicken nuggets, while another shows a woman trying to get ice cream and water only to see packets of ketchup and butter added to the order.

McDonald’s will continue to use IBM products elsewhere and has expressed interest in future trial runs for automated order-taking.

“IBM has given us confidence that a voice-ordering solution for drive-thru will be part of our restaurant’s future, and we want to sincerely thank IBM and the restaurant teams that have been part of this crucial test,” Mr. Smoot continued in his message to franchisees, per Restaurant Business.

Other restaurants are in line to try out the technology themselves.

“IBM also is now in discussions and pilots with several quick-serve restaurant clients who are interested in the AOT technology,” IBM told CNBC. The tech giant didn’t specify which chains expressed interest.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.