Wendy's is replacing its lowest-paid workers with robots

[MineralMan]

48. That's true. However, after I use one of those systems once,

it's pretty efficient for me. I do use the self-check facilities at some places, especially if I have just a few items or the lines at the normal check-out lanes are long. The first time I use a new one, I read the prompts and it takes a little longer, but I remember things like that, so if I return to that store, I can do it automatically without bothering to read the prompts.

I remember one time using a self-check station at a store I frequently visit. I noticed when I did that the voice prompts were in Spanish. That didn't slow me down, though, since I speak Spanish, too. That store also offers Hmong as a choice. If I encountered that, though, I know the system there well enough to just continue with my transaction.

I frequently use the self-check at Home Depot, as well. Often, I've just run in there for a single item, and the lines are usually longer than I want to wait. So, I dash in, self-check and dash out to finish whatever job that caused me to need that forgotten item.

At Target, I never use the self-check, because I normally buy a cartload of items on a visit. Then, the checkout line is faster and the nice person at the cash register bags the stuff for me.

It all just depends. I tend to do what's convenient for me and what saves my time. I make a choice each time.

But, here's something I've never quite understood. Someone will come into a fast food place and stand there looking at the big, colorful menu board for a very long time and then order the thing they always order anyhow. That drives me batty if I'm standing behind them. Three minutes of staring that that board and they end up ordering the #2 meal, just like they did the last time they were there. Very puzzling.