"Reportedly testing a range of automation—from scurrying robots that pour drinks, flip burgers, and even 'bounce' unruly customers who bring baby raccoons into the store, to robotic fryers and automated cooking for items like chicken and fish—this major fast-food chain aims to speed up service and reduce labor costs. Trials also include voice-activated drive-through ordering, but imperfect voice-recognition (especially with accented speech) and substantial upfront expenses have made many franchisees hesitant, so wider rollout is expected to be gradual. The initiative is framed around efficiency and faster service, but it also raises concerns about job displacement." - Tim Forster