Introducing Autocado: Chipotle’s New Robot Revolutionizing Guacamole Production
Chipotle Mexican Grill is taking a step into the future with its latest innovation in guacamole production. The popular fast-casual restaurant chain is testing a groundbreaking avocado collaborative robot prototype called Autocado. This high-tech machine is designed to cut, core, and peel avocados, drastically reducing the time and effort it takes to prepare the beloved dip.
Currently, it takes Chipotle employees an average of 50 minutes to make a single batch of guacamole. However, Autocado has the potential to cut that prep time in half, bringing more efficiency to the process. Chipotle is working in partnership with Vebu, a product development company, to refine the machine.
Buck Jordan, CEO of Vebu, emphasized the company’s mission to leverage automation technology in order to provide workers with more flexibility in their day-to-day tasks. Autocado aligns perfectly with this objective, as it can work alongside Chipotle crew members to create the same delicious guacamole that fans love, but in a more efficient manner.
In addition to its avocado preparation capabilities, Vebu is also developing an artificial intelligence mechanism for future iterations of Autocado. This mechanism will enable the robot to evaluate the quality of avocados and quantify waste reduction throughout the entire preparation process.
Currently in the prototype phase, Autocado is being put to the test at the Chipotle Cultivate Center in Irvine, California. Alongside Autocado, Chipotle is also testing another robot named Chippy, which specializes in making tortilla chips. Chippy can fry the chips and season them with salt and lime, further streamlining the entire process.
Chipotle has always been at the forefront of investing in new technology to enhance sales and improve efficiency. The company was one of the earliest adopters of order-ahead apps and has since expanded its online order capabilities. As a result, digital sales now make up 39% of the company’s total sales.
This move by Chipotle to embrace robotics in its food production is not unique. Other fast-food chains have also explored the potential of automation in their operations. White Castle, for example, has been testing a robot that can manage an entire frying station, simplifying the cooking process. McDonald’s has unveiled an automated test restaurant in Texas where robots hand customers their drive-through orders. Additionally, Starbucks has implemented a new production procedure known as the Siren System to reduce the time it takes to make drinks.
However, rolling out robots in the food industry is not without its challenges. Chipotle’s Chippy has only been integrated into one store since its announcement in March, as the testing phase continues. Similarly, Starbucks’ Siren System is taking longer than expected to reach stores nationwide.
Despite these challenges, Chipotle remains optimistic about the potential of Autocado and the benefits it can bring to the guacamole production process. By leveraging technology and automation, Chipotle aims to improve efficiency, provide flexibility to its employees, and ultimately deliver the same delicious guacamole that their fans love.
Chipotle’s stock price rose by 1% following the announcement, reaching $2,076. Throughout this year, the company’s shares have gained an impressive 50%.
In conclusion, Chipotle’s Autocado robot is set to revolutionize the way guacamole is prepared, cutting down on labor-intensive tasks and reducing prep time. As the testing phase progresses, this innovative technology promises to make a significant impact on the efficiency of Chipotle’s operations. By embracing automation, Chipotle is striving to provide a better experience for its customers while maintaining the high quality and taste that defines its brand.
