McDonald's is turning up the heat on digital ordering, making grabbing a Big Mac without human interaction even easier. The fast-food giant is rolling out new kiosks in select U.S. locations that allow customers to order and pay in cash, bypassing traditional cash registers. These high-tech kiosks can even give change, pushing the need for cashiers further into the background. While most McDonald's locations already have kiosks, customers who prefer to pay with cash usually still have to interact with an employee at the counter. This new system could mark the beginning of the end for that setup.

Employees Shift Roles in a Tech-Driven Future

McDonald's Switzerland / Flickr

But don’t worry, McDonald's isn’t sending its employees packing just yet. Instead, the new format allows workers to focus on other tasks, like delivering food to tables or curbside pickups. The move shows their broader push to get more customers to order digitally, whether through kiosks, apps, or delivery. Franchisees, who own 95% of McDonald's restaurants in the U.S., can use this system to take advantage of the tech-forward shift. And for those who still like the old-school counter experience, full menus, and traditional ordering are still available.

The Impact of Digital Transformation

McDonald's Switzerland / Flickr

What’s interesting is how this tech upgrade is reshaping the fast-food experience. Screens behind the counter will now be used to promote select items and steer customers toward digital ordering. It's all about increasing speed and accuracy and catering to a growing demand for digital convenience. In fact, during the third quarter of last year, digital orders—whether through the app, kiosks, or delivery—accounted for more than 40% of McDonald’s sales in major markets. That's a significant chunk of business driving the company’s focus on evolving its ordering systems.

This shift to digital ordering has changed how customers interact with McDonald's and the roles of its employees. As more people use kiosks and apps, workers are spending less time taking orders and more time on new tasks, like acting as "guest experience leads" to assist customers with questions, much like you’d see at a Walmart or Target self-checkout. The labor market impact is real, as McDonald's remains one of the largest employers in the U.S., with over 2 million workers at franchised locations globally. As CEO Chris Kempczinski noted, digital is here to stay, and McDonald’s will keep moving toward getting more customers on its digital platforms.

McDonald's Switzerland / Flickr

In the end, this isn’t just about technology; it’s about transforming the way people dine at McDonald's. With more kiosks, faster ordering, and less need for cashiers, McDonald's is paving the way for a streamlined, tech-driven future. Whether customers like to order through an app, kiosk, or the old-fashioned counter, the company is making sure there’s an option for everyone.