A McDonald's restaurant in Shanghai has recently piloted humanoid robots to deliver food and interact with diners.
A McDonald’s restaurant in China has shown how technology could change the fast food industry, after deploying AI-powered humanoid robot s to serve meals, greet customers, and interact with diners in real time.
A video, shared on tech billionaire Elon Musk’s social media platform X by X user ‘@CyberRobooo’ shows several humanoids stationed behind the counter at a McDonald’s outlet in Shanghai. Dressed in the popular fast food chain’s signature red-and-yellow uniforms, the recording depicts them carrying out tasks handled by human workers, including welcoming guests, assisting with service and delivering food orders. Some of the humanoid robots can be seen entertaining the customers. Children, in particular, are shown chasing after the smaller robotic units moving around the restaurant.The future of dining is hereThe robots deployed in the pilot were developed by Keenon Robotics, a company specializing in commercial service robots. “Watch the Keenon robot squad suit up and join the McDonald’s party,” the firm posted in a social media post along with a clip of the robots interacting with customers.“Our humanoid series is leading the squad and hitting the streets,” the company continued. “It’s a showcase of how service automation is becoming a seamless part of global dining, and how technology brings more smiles to every mealtime.”The iconic fast food brand has not officially detailed the scope of the initiative or confirmed whether the pilot is part of a broader rollout strategy. Nonetheless, the experiment reflects a growing trend among large corporations exploring robotics to enhance efficiency and customer experience.According to reports, the trial comes at a time when artificial intelligence and robotics are advancing quickly across many industries, fueling fears that machines could soon replace human workers.In the food service sector, where speed, consistency, as well as labor availability are critical, humanoid robots could offer a scalable solution. Robots taking overThe Wall Street Journal reported in July 2025 that e-commerce giant Amazon is expected to have more robots than human workers in its warehouses, with over one million machines already in use.These robots are typically utilized to handle labor-intensive warehouse tasks, such as reaching high shelves and moving goods. Moreover, the newspaper said, more advanced ones support humans in sorting and packaging.The WSJ also reported that 75 percent of Amazon’s global deliveries are assisted in some way by a robot.The trial featured humanoid robots dressed in McDonald’s signature uniforms.For now, the McDonald’s trial targets customer-facing roles, an area traditionally considered difficult to automate. By using humanoid robots that interact directly with diners, the company is testing both efficiency and customer acceptance.Meanwhile, a new study suggests that robots are pushing low-skilled workers off the career ladder, making it harder for them to move up, switch jobs, or earn higher wages. It was carried out by Pinar Yildirim, PhD, an associate professor of marketing, and researchers from top institutions including Wharton and UCLA. “Overall, our findings highlight that it is essential to think about the effects of automation from a broader perspective – focusing on industries beyond those that are most immediately impacted and beyond the immediate occupation of workers,” the researchers said.
Automation China Customer Service Humanoid Robot Inventions And Machines Keenon Robotics Mcdonald's Physics Robotics Shanghai
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
China finds 9.7 million tons of rare earth oxides in major minerals discoveriesNew geological surveys have identified substantial reserves of rare earths, fluorite and baryte in southwestern China.
Read more »
Africa’s solar sector braces for higher costs as China cuts rebatesChina’s decision to end value-added tax rebates on solar panel exports and phase out incentives for battery storage equipment could raise solar equipment costs in Africa. Analysts say the move may create a gradual price increase but is unlikely to derail the continent’s clean energy transition because solar power remains cheaper than diesel.
Read more »
China will join forces to make 'global trade pie larger': premierChinese Premier Li criticised unilateralism and pledged to expand trade by importing more foreign goods and supporting cooperation.
Read more »
Sleep Competition Offers Cash Prize for Resting in BedChina launched a forest sleep contest near Shanghai, rewarding adults for rest in a bid to ease urban stress.
Read more »
McDonalds in Chinese city pilots humanoid robots to serve meals, greet customersToday's Video Headlines: 3/22/2026
Read more »
China’s first approved vascular robot achieves 100% success rate in clinical trialResearchers in China have validated the performance of the YDHB-NS01, a domestically produced robotic system for cerebral angiography.
Read more »