McDonalds already licenses their kitchen to franchisees. Increased automation increases the upfront cost of this kitchen without increasing revenue. While some

McDonalds already licenses their kitchen to franchisees. Increased automation increases the upfront cost of this kitchen without increasing revenue. While some franchisees might like the idea of less reliance on labor and be willing to pay a premium, McDonalds corporate wants to keep the upfront costs of starting a franchise as low as possible. While certainly the interface might resemble an Automat, when I say designed to be automated, I mean their business model is designed for automation. Dark kitchens, for example, could potentially benefit from automation far more than conventional restaurants.