Chipotle's Automation Initiatives: Transforming Restaurant Operations with Autocado and Augmented Makeline
Discover how Chipotle's innovative automation systems, Autocado and Augmented Makeline, are revolutionizing restaurant operations and enhancing efficiency.
Introduction to Chipotle's Automation Innovations
Chipotle, a leading fast-casual restaurant chain, has introduced innovative automation systems, Autocado and Augmented Makeline, aimed at streamlining operations, enhancing efficiency, and improving customer experience. These cutting-edge technologies mark a significant step forward in Chipotle's commitment to leveraging automation for operational excellence.
Autocado: Revolutionizing Avocado Preparation
Autocado, a pioneering cobotic prototype developed in partnership with Vebu, is a game-changer in avocado preparation. This automated system cuts, cores, and peels avocados swiftly, significantly reducing the time and effort required for this labor-intensive task. In a Huntington Beach, Calif. restaurant, Autocado has demonstrated its capability to process an avocado's flesh every 26 seconds, a remarkable feat given Chipotle's massive avocado consumption of 5.18 million cases annually.
Augmented Makeline: Enhancing Digital Order Fulfillment
The Augmented Makeline, developed in collaboration with Hyphen, is another pivotal automation system tested at a Corona del Mar, Calif., restaurant. With a focus on building bowls and salads, this cobotic system is strategically aligned with the digital order preferences, as approximately 65% of Chipotle's orders fall under these categories. By automating the assembly process, Augmented Makeline not only speeds up order preparation but also frees up employees to engage in more customer-centric tasks, enhancing overall hospitality.
CEO Vision and Operational Impact
Former Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol's vision for automation highlights the strategic importance of systems like Hyphen and Autocado in eliminating mundane tasks, boosting operational accuracy, and increasing throughput. Niccol emphasizes the potential for these innovations to elevate operational efficiency as Chipotle targets higher average unit volumes. By investing in efficient prep processes through automation, Chipotle aims to optimize its operations and elevate customer service standards.
Collaborative Development and Operational Excellence
Chipotle's collaboration with Vebu, Hyphen, and certified training managers from its restaurants underscores a commitment to developing solutions tailored to the company's operational intricacies. Together, they have identified and addressed time-consuming tasks, paving the way for a stronger operational engine that prioritizes both employee experience and guest satisfaction. Chief Customer and Technology Officer Curt Garner affirms the importance of incorporating feedback to refine these systems further.
Cultivate Next and Future Growth Strategies
The integration of Autocado and Augmented Makeline into Chipotle's Cultivate Next venture fund signifies a forward-looking approach to innovation. By doubling its fund to $100 million and partnering with key players in supply chain, agriculture, and automation, Chipotle is strategically positioning itself for rapid expansion. These investments in automation and technology align with Chipotle's ambition to double its footprint to 7,000 locations, indicating a bold vision for the future of the brand.
