With so many restaurants in the US finally replacing employees with kiosks, we might wonder how far this trend will go. The level of automation in Japan is uniquely pervasive.
Major US fast food chains that are installing or are planning to install more automation include giants such as Wendy's, McDonald's, and Carl's Jr.
Fun fact: The first commercial vending machines, invented in 1883 by Percival Everitt, were found at railway stations and post offices as they were a convenient way to purchase envelopes, postcards, and notepaper. (Reference: https://www.thoughtco.com/the-history-of-vending-machines-1992599)