The Rise of Robotic Hamburgers: Will They Replace Fast Food Employees?
The fast-food industry is witnessing an unprecedented shift towards automation, with robotics and artificial intelligence playing significant roles in streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency. This trend is not confined to a specific aspect of the business but encompasses various roles, including cooking, cashiers, and serving. In this article, we will explore how robotic hamburgers could transform the way we think about fast food, and whether they might eventually replace human employees at iconic chains like McDonald's and Burger King.
Fast-Food Cooks: The Role of Automation in Culinary Mechanics
One of the most prominent roles in fast food is that of the cook. Companies like Rich Tech Robotics and Miso Robotics have already developed advanced robotic arms and cooking stations that can prepare food with high precision and speed. This shift towards automation is driven by both economic and operational benefits.
It’s cheaper to buy a 35,000 robotic arm than it is to hire an employee who’s inefficient making 15 an hour bagging French fries. - Ed Rensi, McDonald's CEO
According to the National Restaurant Association, restaurants on average lose around $150,000 per year due to employee turnover. Automation can significantly reduce these costs and improve efficiency. Robotic arms and cooking stations require lower initial hiring costs and can perform tasks 24/7 with minimal errors.
Fast-Food Cashiers: The Self-Service Kiosk Revolution
The role of the cashier is also being revolutionized by self-service kiosks. Sales of these kiosks increased by 17.9% in 2019, reaching over $11.9 billion. These kiosks not only reduce labor costs but also enhance the speed and efficiency of transactions.
The typical cost per kiosk, which includes the display, scanner, credit card reader, and receipt printer, is about $5,000. These machines last approximately five years before needing to be upgraded or replaced.
The cost comparison between a human cashier and a kiosk is stark. A cashier's average salary, including benefits, can range from $12 to $16 per hour. In contrast, the cost of a kiosk is significantly lower, and it can operate continuously, producing more output with no errors. Moreover, self-service kiosks can handle a wider range of transactions, reducing the need for human intervention.
Fast-Food Servers: The Rise of Robotic Servers
The role of the server is also under threat. Human servers typically earn between $12 and $16 per hour, plus benefits. In comparison, robotic servers can be installed for around $8,000 per unit and can serve many more customers. These robots can also entertain customers with games, music, dance, singing, and even telling jokes. The entertainment value adds to the overall customer experience.
Machine’s can work 24/7 and produce substantially more product than people in a significantly shorter timespan, with minimal turnover and errors, which further lower costs to the business.
The benefits of robotic servers extend beyond economic efficiency. They can handle the physical and psychological demands of working in high-volume fast-food environments without requiring breaks, sick days, or turnover. As a result, businesses can provide a consistent and high-quality service to their customers at a lower cost.
Final Thoughts: The Inevitability of Automation in the Fast-Food Industry
The shift towards automation in the fast-food industry is an inevitable trend. The benefits of automation, such as reduced labor costs, improved efficiency, and higher accuracy, far outweigh any potential negatives. Similar changes are occurring in other sectors, and it is clear that automation is making business operations more efficient and cost-effective.
It's simply much more efficient and cost-effective for a CEO to choose a robot over most of you. Personally, I am happy with this trajectory, especially in the fast-food industry, because I don't want some of the select disgusting employees of these respective joints getting their bio in my occasional hamburger.
- Author's Personal Thoughts
While the rise of robotic hamburgers and other automation technologies may disrupt current job roles in the fast-food industry, the overall benefits for businesses and customers are significant. As the trend continues, we can expect to see further innovations and improvements that will shape the future of fast food.