Restaurants across the nation are turning to artificial intelligence to streamline drive-thru orders and cut labor costs. Despite the slow adoption rate, 16% of restaurant operators plan to invest in AI, with large chains leading the charge. Rising labor costs and the shift towards drive-thru lanes have accelerated the need for technological solutions, especially in the wake of California's wage hike for fast-food workers. While AI tools like ChatGPT are sparking excitement in the industry, some setbacks have been noted. For example, McDonald's recently discontinued its trial of the Automated Order Taker, prompting other vendors to step in. Presto Automation, another AI drive-thru technology company, revealed its use of "human agents" to complete orders. Despite initial hesitations, the industry may see a surge in AI adoption in the coming months, with experts predicting a tipping point in voice ordering within the next 12-18 months.