McDonald’s is investing in AI. The fast food chain has agreed to acquire the Israeli start-up Dynamic Yield which will develop a way to help serve up data-driven meal choices.
The technology developed by the AI firm can automatically change menus depending on the weather, time of day and traffic. According to a report from Inc, McDonald’s is expected to pay USD300m for the acquisition.
The AI powering the system designed by Dynamic Yield will be able to determine what products should be promoted on a specific day. For instance, it will automatically suggest McFlurry ice creams on hot days or will tell customers which items are already proving popular at a particular restaurant that day.
McDonald’s plans to first roll out the technology through drive-throughs across the US. The ultimate aim is to provide a highly personalized experience and to be able to suggest additional items based on the customer’s order.
McDonald’s has already been making technological improvements in its fast food chain. According to the company’s annual report, at the end of 2018, it had implemented self-ordering kiosks to about 17,000 restaurants, offered digital menu broads in 21,000 restaurants and added its order/pay app to 22,000 restaurants.
