At a bustling McDonald’s in Shanghai, humanoid robots have become the latest attraction, not only serving meals but also captivating patrons with their entertaining antics. Clad in the recognizable uniform of the fast-food giant, these robotic servers offer a glimpse into a future where machines might take on routine tasks in dining establishments.
The innovative machines are provided by Keenon Robotics, a Chinese company known for its advancements in robotic technology. This deployment is part of a trial aimed at exploring how robots can enhance the dining experience by performing standard roles typically handled by human staff.
Online videos capture these futuristic servers in action, interacting with customers from behind the counter while sporting the iconic red and yellow of McDonald’s. Their presence adds a novel twist to the fast-food experience, merging technology with tradition.
One robot, donning a black uniform emblazoned with the word ‘chef,’ warmly greets visitors as they enter, setting the tone for a unique dining experience. Meanwhile, other robotic team members engage patrons by forming the famous ‘M’ logo with their arms and even showing off some dance moves, adding an element of fun to their service.
Others make the famous ‘M’ sign synonymous with the brand and showcase some dancing moves.
Meanwhile children can be seen chasing other robots disguised as cute animals as they deliver food and clean floors around the restaurant.
‘Watch the robot squad suit up and enjoy the McDonald’s party!’ Keenon Robotics wrote online. ‘Our humanoid series are leading the squad and hitting the streets.
‘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.’
In the video, one robot can be seen touching its thumb and index finger together to make an ‘okay’ sign at a customer
In the video, one robot can be seen touching its thumb and index finger together to make an ‘okay’ sign at a customer.
A smaller, cube–shaped ‘cleaning’ bot features a touchscreen and has been designed to look as if it is wearing a tie.
Jon Banner, the executive vice president of McDonald’s, explained the robots were there for a ‘temporary greeting’.
‘Just to be clear – the robots were part of the grand opening of the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum restaurant,’ he wrote on social media.
‘The robots were requested by the museum to draw attention. Mission accomplished!’
He added that the robots ‘were not involved in any service or operational functions’.
While the machines were part of a trial – and were only around for about five days – some people believe it won’t be long until they’re rolled out more widely.
‘Shanghai is the test market,’ one person wrote on X. ‘If the unit economics work the rollout does not stay in China.’
The machines, supplied by Chinese firm Keenon Robotics, have been deployed as part of a trial and hint at a future where bots handle routine tasks at fast food restaurants
Another said that this is the ‘real future’, adding: ‘Humanoid robots greeting customers and delivery bots bringing your food – automate the kitchen a bit more and boom, McDonald’s stores basically run themselves with zero staff.’
However, others warned the robots would be ‘destroyed’ if rolled out elsewhere.
According to Keenon Robotics, its ‘Dinerbot T10’ boasts 3D vision for ‘safer obstacle avoidance in complex environments’.
It comes with open–access trays to allow diners to easily pick up their food, and features a six–wheel shock–absorbing chassis to prevent spillage during sudden stops.
Its screen can be programmed to display different animal faces, including a cat, bunny and deer, while a range of voices can be picked from.
Meanwhile their ‘Kleenbot C40’ features a triple–brush system for separating dry and wet spillages. It has been designed to ‘easily handle crowds and irregular obstacles’, and can pick up objects including hair, paper scraps, dust, coffee and juice.
While the Keenon website does not list prices, these models retail for around £11,500 to £16,000 online.
Their recently-released ‘XMAN-R1’ humanoid was designed specifically to interact with people – but appears to come with a $100,000 price tag online.
A small cube–shaped ‘cleaning’ bot features a touchscreen and has been designed to look as if it is wearing a tie (left). Meanwhile children can be seen chasing a ‘Dinerbot’ disguised as a cute animal as it delivers food around the restaurant
Their recently-released ‘XMAN-R1’ humanoid was designed specifically to interact with people – but appears to come with a $100,000 price tag online
Last week, the shocking moment a dancing robot went berserk at a restaurant was caught on camera.
Customers at the Haidilao hotpot restaurant in San Jose, California , were enjoying their meals when a humanoid started showing off some moves.
While performing a dance routine, involving waving its arms and shaking its hips, the robot suddenly slams its hands down on a table.
This sends chopsticks and bright yellow sauce flying into the air, while staff race over to try and turn it off.
But the humanoid continues to dance throughout the altercation – which saw three employees wrestle with the robot and try to drag it away by the scruff of its neck.
