As most major corporations fall over themselves to be associated with 3D printing, it was only a matter of time before the inevitable popped up. Yes , McDonalds is seriously considering putting 3D printers into their establishments where they can print out toys on demand. The ones which get offered with their kids happy meals.
Given how many happy meals are sold each day in one of your average McDonalds it does seem a bit gimmicky at best and a rather expensive way to fulfil such a big and predictable demand. On the other hand, if you have a screaming brat with you because they have run out of transformers or in fact only a blue one will do, then I do see the point. As always, McDonalds will do anything to keep its customers rolling in through its doors and coming back. Making kids docile, well no trouble is a sure fire way to have parents put their hand in their pockets. Less cynically, if it puts technology or engineering back into children’s lives as opposed to constant gaming it is probably a good thing.
The mind now starts to wander at what other things 3D printing could be used for at your local McDonalds.
“A big beef Transformer please”
“Would you also like cheese on that sir?”
“No but I’ll take the large 3D printed fries”
“Those Donald Duck shapes on page 9 and make them purple please…”