Introducing Chipotle’s Game-Changer: The ‘Autocado’ Robot
In an ambitious leap towards integrating technology in the culinary world, Chipotle Mexican Grill has started a pilot program to bring robots into their kitchens. At two of its California restaurants, these innovative machines are being tested for their prowess in prepping avocados for the chain’s famous guacamole and assembling its popular burrito bowls.
Named Autocado and Augmented Makeline, these robots are the fruits of a collaboration between Chipotle and tech firms Vebu along with Hyphen. The ambition is to streamline operations and gauge customer and employee feedback on this futuristic kitchen assistance. If proven successful, we might see this technology deployed across more Chipotle outlets.
The spotlight stealer among them, the Autocado, boasts the ability to cut, core, and peel an avocado in an impressive average time of 26 seconds. This significantly cuts down the prep time, allowing human workers to focus on other tasks, although they’ll still be handling the mashing of the fruit. Considering Chipotle’s annual use of roughly 5.2 million cases of avocados, this innovation could not only save time but potentially enhance guacamole consistency across the board.
The second robotic aide, dubbed the Augmented Makeline, is designed to assist with assembling bowls and salads that make up 65 percent of Chipotle’s digital orders. By automating the dispensing of ingredients, it ensures every order gets the perfect portion, responding to previous concerns over serving sizes.
Chipotle’s Chief Customer and Technology Officer, Curt Garner, highlighted the robots’ potential in building a stronger operational engine that not only enhances the employee and customer experience but also maintains the high culinary standards Chipotle is known for.
The Autocado has been put to work in a Chipotle restaurant in Huntington Beach, while the Augmented Makeline is currently operating in Corona del Mar, helping assemble bowls and salads for digital orders. This move comes as a part of Chipotle’s larger strategy to innovate and improve efficiency, particularly for the rising volume of digital orders.
Having over 3,500 restaurants globally, Chipotle’s partnership with Vebu and Hyphen in developing these robotic systems marks a significant milestone. Vebu, known for its prowess in automation, robotics, and intelligence, specializes in the broader food industry. Meanwhile, Hyphen offers a food service platform designed to advance businesses through automated kitchen operations.
By investing in these tech firms through its $100 million Cultivate Next venture fund, Chipotle emphasizes its commitment to cultivating a better world by supporting innovations aligned with its long-term goal of operating 7,000 restaurants in North America.
Chipotle is not alone in its endeavor to blend culinary arts with technology. Last year, salad chain Sweetgreen began testing the automation of food prep processes after acquiring the robotic kitchen startup Spyce. Similarly, other restaurant chains like Taco Bell are exploring voice AI technology for drive-thru orders, showcasing the industry’s growing inclination towards AI and robotics for improved customer experiences.
As AI continues to make inroads into various aspects of business and daily life, from automating IVF processes to potential investments in robots capable of independent thought by tech giants, Chipotle’s pilot with Autocado and Augmented Makeline robots could well be a glimpse into the future of the restaurant industry. The blend of traditional culinary techniques with cutting-edge technology not only promises efficiency and consistency but also a novel dining experience for customers worldwide.
