McDonald's is testing a new artificial intelligence drive-thru ordering system at five locations across the United States as the fast-food giant explores automation technology to streamline operations.

The AI technology, which has been nicknamed "Archy," represents part of a broader initiative by McDonald's to integrate automated systems into its restaurant operations. The system is designed to handle customer orders at drive-thru windows, potentially reducing wait times and labor costs.

The pilot program, called ArchIQ, is currently in its testing phase at the select locations. McDonald's has not disclosed the specific locations where the technology is being tested or provided details about the system's performance metrics during the trial period.

The fast-food industry has increasingly turned to automation and AI technologies in recent years as companies seek to address labor shortages and improve operational efficiency. Drive-thru service represents a significant portion of McDonald's business, making it a logical area for technological innovation and testing.