McDonald’s China Uses AI Robots to Serve Customers | Future of Fast Food Automation

A McDonald’s restaurant in Shanghai is piloting the employ of humanoid robots to greet customers, take orders, and deliver food, a move signaling a potential shift in the fast-food industry’s reliance on human labor. A video of the robots in operation, posted on X (formerly Twitter) by user @CyberRobooo, quickly gained attention, showcasing the machines working alongside staff.

The robots, dressed in the signature red and yellow McDonald’s uniforms, are developed by Keenon Robotics, a company specializing in commercial service robots. Keenon Robotics posted on social media, stating, “Watch the Keenon robot squad suit up and join the McDonald’s party,” and highlighting their “humanoid series” as a demonstration of “how service automation is becoming a seamless part of global dining.”

While McDonald’s has not released details regarding the scope or potential expansion of the program, the trial reflects a broader trend of corporations exploring robotics to improve efficiency and customer experience. The move comes as artificial intelligence and robotics technologies rapidly advance, raising questions about the future of employment in various sectors.

The Wall Street Journal reported in July 2025 that Amazon is anticipating having more robots than human workers in its warehouses, with over one million robots already deployed to handle tasks such as moving goods and assisting with sorting and packaging. The report as well indicated that robots currently assist with 75 percent of Amazon’s global deliveries.

The McDonald’s trial focuses on customer-facing roles, which have traditionally been difficult to automate. By utilizing humanoid robots that directly interact with diners, the company is assessing both operational efficiency and customer acceptance of the technology.

A recent study by researchers from Wharton and UCLA, led by Pinar Yildirim, PhD, suggests that the increasing use of robots may hinder career advancement for low-skilled workers, making it more challenging for them to secure higher wages or transition to different jobs. The researchers emphasized the need to consider the broader effects of automation beyond immediately impacted industries and occupations.

In a separate development, McDonald’s China partnered with Tesla to offer a limited-edition “Cyberspoon” inspired by the Tesla Cybertruck, a plastic spoon designed for use with McFlurries. Elon Musk initially dismissed the collaboration as “Fake news” on X, but later conceded he would want one after learning that Tesla China was actively promoting the spoon on Weibo. The $4 Cyberspoon was limited to 50,000 units.