Autocado and the Augmented Makeline, two cobotic prototypes, are being tested in California to improve kitchen operations and enhance the customer experience.

Chipotle Mexican Grill has recently taken a major step toward modernizing its food preparation processes by introducing two cobotic (collaborative robotic) innovations in select California locations.

The first is “Autocado,” an automated avocado processing prototype developed in collaboration with Vebu, and the second is an “Augmented Makeline,” created with Hyphen, designed to streamline food preparation in the restaurant’s kitchens. These innovations aim to improve both operational efficiency and employee experience while maintaining the brand’s culinary standards.

Currently, the Autocado prototype is being tested at Chipotle’s Huntington Beach, California, location. This cobot can cut, core, and peel avocados, preparing them for hand-mashing into Chipotle’s signature guacamole.

By automating this labor-intensive task, Chipotle’s kitchen crew can shift focus to other responsibilities, such as food preparation and customer service. On average, the machine processes an avocado in just 26 seconds, and it can accommodate various avocado sizes, thanks to its updated design and adaptability.

Meanwhile, the Augmented Makeline is being trialed at the Corona del Mar, California, location. This automated system primarily handles the preparation of bowls and salads, while employees continue to assemble burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and kids’ meals on the top line.

Given that approximately 65% of Chipotle’s digital orders consist of bowls or salads, this innovation significantly improves the speed and accuracy of digital orders. As reported by Chipotle, the system is designed to enhance consistency for customers placing orders through digital platforms, which represents a growing segment of their business.

In a press release, Curt Garner, Chipotle’s Chief Customer and Technology Officer, commented on the potential of these cobotic systems. “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,” Garner said. He also noted that the next step in the process would involve gathering feedback from crew members and customers to refine the systems before broader testing.

The implementation of these cobots is part of Chipotle’s broader effort to innovate through its $100 million Cultivate Next venture fund, which was launched in 2022.

This fund seeks to invest in early-stage companies that align with Chipotle’s mission of “Cultivating a Better World” and support its ambitious growth strategy, which aims to increase the company’s footprint to 7,000 restaurants in North America. Both Vebu, the developer of Autocado, and Hyphen, the creator of the Augmented Makeline, have received investment from the fund to continue developing their technologies.

Vebu, a company specializing in automation and robotics solutions, worked closely with Chipotle’s Certified Training Managers to identify tasks in the kitchen that could benefit from automation. Their goal was to ease time-consuming duties that crew members often find tedious, such as avocado preparation, allowing staff to focus on tasks that enhance the overall customer experience.

Similarly, Hyphen is focused on automating kitchen operations in the foodservice industry, helping restaurant owners and operators streamline workflows and improve efficiency. As Chipotle looks to expand its digital and in-restaurant capabilities, these partnerships play a critical role in optimizing kitchen performance and delivering consistent quality to customers across all channels.