2025-08-29T10:33:42Z

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Imagine driving up to your favorite fast-food spot only to be met with the bizarre scenario of ordering a jaw-dropping 18,000 cups of water. Sounds like a prank, right? Well, for Taco Bell, this was no laughing matter! After rolling out AI technology across over 500 locations in the U.S. to streamline drive-through orders, the system has faced hilarious and frustrating challenges that have left many customers scratching their heads.

In a viral moment, one adventurous diner attempted to crash the AI by placing an outrageous order of 18,000 water cups, highlighting a significant flaw in the technology. Meanwhile, in another cringeworthy encounter, a customer grew increasingly frustrated as the AI repeatedly asked him to specify what drink he wanted alongside his order, echoing the maelstrom of confusion that can sometimes ensue when tech goes awry. It’s these comical mishaps that have prompted Taco Bell to reconsider the role of artificial intelligence in their drive-through operations.

Dane Mathews, Taco Bell's Chief Digital and Technology Officer, shared with The Wall Street Journal that the journey into AI has had its ups and downs. “Sometimes it lets me down, but sometimes it really surprises me,” he confessed. As Taco Bell gathers insights from these experiences, Mathews has indicated that the company is re-evaluating the implementation of AI, especially during peak hours when the human touch may be more effective.

The emergence of social media has played a pivotal role in amplifying customer feedback, as many users have taken to platforms to voice their amusement and frustration over these glitches. One Instagram clip alone has garnered a staggering 21.5 million views, featuring a man trying to order a “large Mountain Dew” while the AI incessantly prompts him for additional drink selections—an absurd yet relatable scenario familiar to anyone who has ever been frustrated by technology.

Interestingly, Taco Bell is not the only fast-food giant to face hurdles with AI ordering systems. Last year, McDonald's also had to backtrack on their AI initiatives after customers experienced bizarre mix-ups, like getting bacon in their ice cream or being charged for hundreds of dollars in chicken nuggets they didn’t order.

Despite the shared hiccups and viral blunders, Taco Bell confidently reports that their AI has successfully processed over two million orders since its launch. With lessons being learned and adjustments being made, the fast-food chain is poised for a future where technology and human interaction can coexist, hopefully without the 18,000 cup orders!