McDonalds: minimum wage for androids

[Jan Klimkowski]

From 2001 A Space Odyssey:

HAL 9000: "I am putting myself to the fullest possible use, which is all I think that any conscious entity can ever hope to do."

From Fox Business Newz:

The next "one billion served" may get their burgers without speaking a word.

McDonald's (MCD: 80.82, -0.32, -0.39%) is jumping on the technology bandwagon with a new system that will soon change the way European customers order food -- picture computers instead of humans asking whether customers prefer fries and supersizes.

The fast-food restaurant, known for its golden arches, Big Mac burgers and Happy Meals, will replace cashiers with touch-screen terminals and swipe cards at its 7,000 chain restaurants in Europe, according to the Financial Times. That would mean, in part, the end of cash payments.

From 2001 A Space Odyssey:

Dave: Hello, HAL. Do you read me, HAL?
HAL: Affirmative, Dave. I read you.
Dave: Open the pod bay doors, HAL.
HAL: I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that.
Dave: What's the problem?
HAL: I think you know what the problem is just as well as I do.
Dave: What are you talking about, HAL?
HAL: This mission is too important for me to allow you to jeopardize it.

From Fox Business News:

McDonald's president of Europe, Steve Easterbrook, said the new process would change a traditional system that has been in place for 30 to 40 years.

The changes, he said, would improve efficiency and smooth the ordering process for customers by making average transactions three to four seconds shorter than traditional methods.

From 2001 A Space Odyssey:

[After killing the rest of the crew] Look, Dave, I can see you're really upset about this. I honestly think you ought to sit down calmly, take a stress pill and think things over. I know I've made some very poor decisions recently, but I can give you my complete assurance that my work will be back to normal. I've still got the greatest enthusiasm and confidence in the mission. And I want to help you.