When I put the comment in above I assumed that the automation company was either from Taiwan, China or Japan, since that is where most of the robotic companies are based. A little research and it turns this company is based in San Francisco. It is an amusing thought that fast food could be the thing that boosts the economy.

No, I worked the Nathans in Corum Long Island NY.

Great perks: I could lunch on whatever I cooked. Plus there was a full video arcade. :)

On Bar Rescue I have seen them install self serve beer and wine taps. Simply pay from your phone or swipe your card. No bar tender involved.

Were you at the original Nathan's at Surf and Stillwell? I grew up near there.

42 years old living with Mom and somehow the fact that they won't make him a burger flipper means that the restaurant needs to be burned down. I'm in my 60s, and I can tell you that the only times I've EVER been out of work was when I wanted to be. It pains me to see that there is a generation (or more) who think that society owes them a living with minimal effort on their part, and they're angry and astonished to see that their menial job ambitions are supplanted by a machine. If the thing works, justice would be served if the only job for one of them would be $20 for one hour of taking out the trash for the machines.

Too lazy to do more to improve themselves.

There are already payment kiosks in Panera Bread (where I write most times) and Chili's. Most retail jobs will be gone within 10 years or so. The infrequent $40-$120/hr in support will keep things running smoothly and profitably.

I once worked at Nathans hot dogs. Great time..shame this experience will be lost to young people. Then again, they don't really want to be independent and work for themselves.

They will pay $40Hr for technicians to maintain the robots and still come out ahead. If McDonalds pulls this off retail jobs will become nonexistent. Didn't the politicians state that the advantage to NAFTA and other trade acts is that it would drive Jobs in the "service sector" (retail). OOPS.

When I was a teenager I worked at the Elk Grove Illinois McDonalds, Which at that time was home to the fledgling Hamburger Univ. If you worked there you automatically went to the U. I learned so much that served me well the rest of my life. Yes I made Minimum wage, but who cared I got a great education.

Here's a thought...learn to maintain the robots and you'll be worth far more to the franchise than a burger flipper will ever be. But I suppose that's the way that it will always be...some people would rather curse the dark than light a candle.