If the predictions of industry experts are correct, the world of quick-serve restaurants will be changing -- well -- quick. By the year 2030, ordering a Big Mac and fries could be a vastly different experience than it is today.


But many warn that advances in technology could result in job losses and a rise in fraudulent activity. So the question remains: as we push the technology envelope, will we eventually self-destruct?Let's begin with the ordering process. Sync technology, developed by Ford and in use today, allows drivers to operate their cell phone, car navigation and stereo system solely through voice commands. The next rendition of Sync technology will use the car's restaurant information to enable drivers to call the restaurant and order a meal. Place that call and you're on auto-pilot: the car takes you straight to the restaurant and right through the drive-thru lane. Easy as one, two, three.

Experts hypothesize that one day consumers will have a restaurant-specific cell phone application that will store favorite orders and credit card information. Just tell your phone to 'Order Burger King' and your favorite order will be automatically placed and paid for in a matter of seconds. Sounds pretty cool, right? It sure is, unless your cell phone ends up in the wrong hands.

But experts say the use of confirmation numbers and other personal identification methods are the answer to that problem. Apple is currently developing a biometric security sensor hidden so slyly you'd never even know it was there. If someone tries to commandeer your phone, a mismatched fingerprint will block entry. Facial recognition scans are also in development. Sorry bad guy, access denied.

As the virtual world continues to evolve, experts believe more customers will be ordering and paying through mobile devices and via the Internet. So will fast-food restaurants become devoid of cash transactions, cashiers and lines of waiting customers? Sounds crazy, but it could happen.

New robotic advancements will have computers acting like humans, assembling Whoppers and Big Macs at record speeds. And that makes you stop and think, are we too smart for our own good, bidding farewell to our workforce in favor of faster production? Or will such advances mean better service and consistent quality? The verdict remains unclear.

Eco-friendly side businesses could provide added streams of revenue as fast food chains head into the future. Many restaurants have already started converting cooking grease into bio-diesel fuel for automobiles. One McDonald's in Cary, North Carolina is currently testing the idea of having an electric car charger on site. Cruise through the drive-thru and charge up your car battery at the same time? Yep, that's a possibility too as future technology will allow electricity to be transferred without using wires.

There's lots of fun stuff on the horizon when it comes to the sexy side of fast food. For starters, employee uniforms will be able to do some pretty astonishing things come 2030. Uniforms smelling like apple pie, for instance, will subconsciously entice customers to order a slice without workers having to make a hard sell.

Phase-change materials will help control body temperature. Managers may even be able to create happier work environments by choosing uniforms infused with pheromones. And embroidered logos on uniforms? That will become obsolete as dynamic LED logos are embedded right into the fabric.

When it comes to entertainment, it seems the sky's the limit. Restaurant tables will be equipped with jukebox-like music and video players that will allow diners to watch a video or play a song and download it instantly to their phones if they like it. Experts also believe it will be possible to put TV screens on paper by the year 2030 – that means you could be watching a video on your cup or your paper tray liner. Pretty wild stuff.

Now for the main event: the food. Powdered foods, such as olive oil in powder form, will provide flavor without grease and sogginess. The ability to mix and match flavored powders will also allow customers to completely customize their burgers and fries.

One scientist is already transforming peanut butter and chocolate-hazelnut spread into powder form to sprinkle on cereals, ice cream and yogurt. Peel and taste flavor strips, similar to those used for mouthwash, are already being created as well and will allow customers to sample the flavor of virtually any item on a restaurant's menu.

Still hungry? Check out this article to learn more about the future of fast food.