McDonald's Shanghai Trials Humanoid Robots for Service

A McDonald's restaurant in Shanghai's Pudong New Area has begun trialing humanoid robots to greet customers, deliver orders and handle other front-of-house tasks, marking an early step toward automation in the fast-food industry.

The pilot program, which started earlier this month, features robots developed by Chinese firm Keenon Robotics. Videos circulating on social media show the machines, dressed in the chain's signature red-and-yellow uniforms emblazoned with the golden arches logo, interacting with patrons at the counter and throughout the dining area. Customers place orders via touchscreens, after which the robots transport meals to tables, clear used trays and respond to basic inquiries. Smaller, animal-shaped units also roam the space, prompting playful chases from children and casual engagements from adult diners.

Keenon Robotics confirmed the deployment in a social media post accompanying footage of the robots in action. "Our humanoid series is leading the squad and hitting the streets," the company stated. "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 firm, which...