Chipotle tests robots to speed up avocado prep in restaurants

Chipotle Mexican Grill is currently piloting two robotic systems in California to enhance its avocado preparation and assembly processes. The Autocado robot, which can cut, core, and peel avocados in an average of 26 seconds, aims to reduce the time human workers spend on guacamole preparation. This initiative comes as the company anticipates using approximately 5.2 million cases of avocados this year across its locations in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. In addition to the Autocado, Chipotle is testing the Augmented Makeline, a collaborative robot designed to automate the assembly of bowls and salads, which constitute a significant portion of the chain's digital orders. This technology ensures that a consistent amount of each ingredient is used, addressing previous complaints about portion sizes. A company investigation revealed that 10% of its restaurants were serving inadequate portions, prompting a commitment to improve accuracy. The robots were developed in collaboration with technology firms Vebu and Hyphen, reflecting Chipotle's broader strategy to integrate automation into its operations. The Autocado is currently operational in Huntington Beach, while the Augmented Makeline is being tested in Corona del Mar. These innovations are part of Chipotle's efforts to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. As the company evaluates feedback from employees and customers during this pilot phase, it will determine whether to expand the use of these robotic systems to additional locations. The integration of robotics is seen as a way to maintain high culinary standards while improving the overall experience for both team members and guests.