automation isn't free. In fact, it's pretty expensive. And complicated to the point where the whole system has to change, not just the customer facing kiosk.
As far as labor costs, the cost of labor is only partly driven by wages. Especially for low wage jobs, finding help, training it putting it in a restaurant and managing it is much a greater cost than the wage. This is why Denmark has a $20 minimum wage but McD burgers cost about 50 cents more. 50 cents isn't a barrier, they McD is profitable in Denmark.
The decision to go automated is more driven by other factors, such as consistent high quality and a process that scales more easily. Conceivably, the stores don't have to be as large or costly which changes the paradigm. McD could consider placing kiosks in locations where they never could have put them before automation. Just saying wages aren't the biggest driver in making the decision to go automated.
