McDonald’s experimenting with robot employees that look like humans — and even dress in uniform

A McDonald’s restaurant in Shanghai recently experimented with humanoid robots that greeted customers and interacted with visitors inside the fast-food location. The machines were brought in as part of a short promotional event rather than a permanent change to restaurant operations.

Videos circulating online showed the lifelike robots performing simple tasks that are usually handled by employees, including welcoming customers and carrying food to tables. The robots wore the familiar red and yellow McDonald’s uniforms and stood behind the counter while guests approached them. Some of the machines were also designed to look like friendly animals, which drew the attention of children running around the restaurant.

The robots were provided by the Chinese technology company Keenon Robotics. According to reports, the machines were introduced as part of a trial connected to the opening of a McDonald’s located inside the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum.

McDonald’s said the robots were only present for a brief period, appearing at the restaurant from March 14 through March 19 to help promote the grand opening. Keenon Robotics highlighted the event on social media, posting a video showing the machines engaging with diners and describing the robots as part of its “Humanoid series.”

The company said the demonstration was intended to show how automated service technology could be integrated into everyday dining experiences and create a more interactive atmosphere for customers.

Jon Banner, McDonald’s executive vice president and global chief impact officer, later explained that the robots were only part of a temporary display. He said the machines were brought in simply to greet visitors and were not used for actual restaurant operations. After the brief appearance ended, he noted that the robots had already been removed.

The appearance of the robots comes at a time when many people are debating how artificial intelligence and automation could affect jobs traditionally done by human workers.

A report from the Wall Street Journal last July noted that Amazon is steadily increasing the use of robotics in its warehouses. The company has already deployed more than one million machines across its facilities. Many of the robots perform physically demanding tasks such as retrieving items from high storage shelves and transporting goods throughout warehouses.

Some of the newer systems are also capable of assisting employees with sorting and packaging orders. According to Amazon, about three-quarters of the company’s global deliveries now involve robots at some stage of the process.