Chipotle Mexican Grill is currently testing Autocado, an avocado-processing robot, and the cobotic [collaborative robotic] Augmented Makeline, in select restaurants.
The cobots are being tested at its restaurants for the first time.
The Autocado prototype, developed with Vebu, automates the cutting, coring and peeling of avocados for Chipotle's guacamole.
The company's Cultivate Next venture fund has invested in Vebu to support the co-creation of this technology.
The Augmented Makeline, co-developed with Hyphen, leverages automation to assemble bowls and salads, while employees continue to prepare burritos, tacos, quesadillas and kids' meals.
Around 65% of all digital orders at the restaurant are for bowls or salads, and this tech will enhance employee productivity and ensure the accuracy of these orders.
Autocado is operational at Chipotle's Huntington Beach, California store. It allows staff members to dedicate more time to other food preparation tasks and guest hospitality.
The robot processes an avocado in approximately 26 seconds, significantly streamlining the preparation process.
Augmented Makeline is in use at Chipotle's Corona del Mar, California location at 3050 East Coast Highway.
The deployment of cobotic technology is a significant step in the company's efforts to integrate automation into its kitchen operations.
Vebu and Chipotle have collaborated extensively with certified training managers from Chipotle's restaurants to refine Autocado's functionality.
Their analysis focused on identifying time-consuming and less favourable tasks within the avocado preparation process, leading to the development of this solution.
Chipotle Mexican Grill chief customer and technology officer Curt Garne said: “These cobotic devices could help us build a stronger operational engine that delivers a great experience for our team members and our guests while maintaining Chipotle's high culinary standards.
“Optimising our use of these systems and incorporating crew and customer feedback are the next steps in the stage-gate process before determining their broader pilot plans.”
In February 2024, Chipotle doubled its investment in the Cultivate Next venture fund to $100m to pursue additional start-up partnerships.
