Skip to main content

McDonald's Wants to Create Networked 'Kitchen of the Future'

McDonald's wants to create a "kitchen of the future" by networking the kitchen equipment in its restaurants to save energy and boost efficiency.

McDonald's wants to create a "kitchen of the future" by networking the kitchen equipment in its restaurants to save energy and boost efficiency.

Echelon Corp. announced on Tuesday the fast food giant's plans to use its LonWorks networking technology to enable its kitchen equipment to communicate and exchange data.

The communication uses existing power lines so the technology can be installed on existing equipment without tearing out walls. The company encourages its equipment manufacturers to include the power line technology in new products.

"Echelon's technology will enable our franchisees to create restaurants that are easier to operate, facilitate preventative maintenance and provide new services while saving energy," said Bob Langert, McDonald's vice president of corporate social responsibility, in a statement.

The technology also could integrate the kitchen equipment with other LonWorks protocol-based building sub-systems, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting, which could facilitate LEED certification.

Echelon claims the "smart" equipment can boost food safety by compiling the data needed for the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points requirements of health departments.

According to Echelon, similar technology reduced energy usage at a Barcelona, Spain, grocery store by 20 percent.

Boeing's Long Beach plant saves $1 million in energy costs annually using Echelon's networking technology, the company said.

More on this topic