Chipotle Mexican Grill has launched a pilot program integrating two innovative robotic systems, Autocado and the Augmented Makeline, at select California locations. This initiative is part of Chipotle’s broader strategy to streamline operations and enhance employee efficiency using collaborative robots or "cobots."

Autocado, developed in partnership with Vebu, an automation-focused tech company, is designed to automate the avocado preparation process. This robotic system cuts, peels, and cores avocados within just 26 seconds, significantly speeding up the guacamole-making process. It allows crew members to focus on other essential tasks, improving overall productivity and guest experience. The Autocado is operating at Chipotle’s Huntington Beach location.

Alongside Autocado, Chipotle has introduced the Augmented Makeline, developed with Hyphen, a foodservice platform. This cobotic system automates the preparation of digital orders, which predominantly include bowls and salads—approximately 65% of such orders. This automation frees up employees to handle more complex tasks like making burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and kids' meals, thus enhancing accuracy and consistency for digital orders. The Augmented Makeline is being tested at the Corona del Mar, California location.

These advancements come from Chipotle's Cultivate Next venture fund, a $100 million effort established in 2022 to invest in innovative technology that aligns with the company’s mission to create a better world and support its ambitious growth plans. Through these technological improvements, Chipotle aims to meet rising customer expectations and operational efficiency demands while continuing to maintain its high culinary standards.

Curt Garner, Chipotle’s Chief Customer and Technology Officer, emphasized the potential of these cobotic devices to strengthen the company’s operational framework, improving both team member experiences and customer satisfaction. Feedback from crew members and customers during the pilot phase will play a crucial role in determining the feasibility of a broader rollout.

The move to integrate more automation into its processes also coincides with broader industry trends responding to increasing labor costs, particularly in states like California with higher minimum wage standards. Other chains like Sweetgreen and Jack-in-the-Box have similarly invested in automation to optimize operations.

Chipotle's interest in robotics is not new; the company previously tested an automated tortilla chip-maker named Chippy. However, the costs associated with setup and cleanup negated the anticipated labor savings, highlighting the challenges in fully automating fast-food operations.

Chipotle’s adoption of the Autocado and Augmented Makeline represents a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to leveraging technology for operational improvement. As the pilot programs progress, Chipotle will evaluate the effectiveness and scalability of these innovations, potentially setting a new standard in the fast-casual dining industry.