# Burger-Dispensing ATMs The 'Big Mac ATM' Offers a New Way to Order a McDonald's Burger By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-01-30 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/order-a-mcdonalds-burger References: [eater](http://www.eater.com/2017/1/26/14400334/big-mac-atm-mcdonalds) & [mcdonalds](http://mcdonalds.com) In Boston, [McDonald's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-drive-thru) is testing out a new technology called the '[Big Mac](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-big-mac-signature) ATM,' which has the potential to change the way customers around the world order a McDonald's burger. At the touchscreen kiosks, McDonald's customers will be able to purchase a Big Mac, which is cooked on-site and loaded into the heated machine. While McDonald's implemented a similar touchscreen system in 2015, these systems required diners to pick up their orders in person. These new Big Mac ATMs completely eliminate the need to wait in a long line or interact with staff at a fast food restaurant. This new way to order at McDonald's is in line with a number of other ideas on the automation of food service, including [robot-run restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caliexpress), smart menus that make meal recommendations and other low-tech self-serve stations. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 96% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Automated Food Service:** The 'Big Mac ATM' is a prime example of the automation of food service, with potential for further advancements in this area. - **Self-service Technology:** The touchscreen kiosks and Big Mac ATMs demonstrate the growing trend of self-service technology in the fast food industry. - **Disruptive Innovation in Fast Food:** The 'Big Mac ATM' introduces a disruptive innovation in the fast food industry by completely eliminating the need for customers to wait in line or interact with staff. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fast Food:** The fast food industry has the opportunity to incorporate more automation and self-service technology, creating a more convenient and efficient customer experience. - **Restaurant Technology:** The implementation of touchscreen kiosks and food-dispensing ATMs signals a growing industry for restaurant technology, allowing for increased efficiency and reduced labor costs. - **Robotics in Food Service:** The concept of robot-run restaurants, coupled with the introduction of the 'Big Mac ATM,' highlights the potential for disruptive innovation in robotics within the food service industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Drive-Thru Conveyor Belts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-drive-thru.md) - [Robot Burger Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roboburger.md) - [AI-Powered Drive-Thrus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcd-tech-labs.md) - [Sausage Roll Distribution Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atmmm.md) - [Digital-Only Drive-Through Lanes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-in-forth-worth.md) - [Improved Fast-Food Delivery Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-door-dash.md) - [Fan-Made Burger Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-big-mac-signature.md) - [Sausage Snack ATMs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/greggs-and-monzo.md) - [Hackable Fast Food Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hacked-menu-items.md)