McDonald's announced a new partnership with the Israel-based startup 'RightHear.' RightHear is a tech startup that creates navigation solutions for visually impaired people. Through its partnership with McDonald's, RightHear will make the restaurant locations across the country more accessible and customer-friendly.
The restaurants will integrate RightHear Bluetooth sensors in key locations, such as near the front door, near bathrooms, and near the cashier counter. The sensors communicate with the RightHear mobile application and provide location-based information and warnings. For example, a visually impaired person walking up to the front door could receive the information "the door opens on the right."
In addition to this navigational information, RightHear sensors can also assist visually impaired people with reading the restaurant menu. The information can be delivered through a mobile application and sent to an audio device to allow for easy communication of items and prices. RightHear's mobile application is currently available in 26 different languages.
Accessible Fast-Food Partnerships
McDonald's Partnered with RightHear in Israel
Trend Themes
1. Accessibility Technologies - The development of new technologies that provide accessibility solutions for the visually impaired, including navigation and menu reading applications.
2. Partnerships for Accessibility - An increasing number of partnerships between fast-food chains and accessibility tech companies to provide an inclusive and seamless customer experience for the visually impaired.
3. Localization Technologies - The usage of location-based technologies to provide personalized and user-friendly solutions for visually impaired customers in different settings.
Industry Implications
1. Fast-food Industry - Fast-food chains are now partnering with accessibility tech companies to provide a more customer-friendly experience for the visually impaired.
2. Accessibility Tech Industry - The development and refinement of accessibility technology is now becoming a lucrative industry as more businesses look to provide inclusivity in their operations.
3. Hospitality Industry - The hospitality industry can learn from fast-food chains and accessibility tech companies, and apply the same principles to their establishments to provide an inclusive experience for all their customers.