Some folks were more than a little curious about Chipotle’s new Autocado ‘guacamole’ robot when it was first announced. Others were outraged, claiming the device would replace human workers. But both factions can now breathe easier…
Autocado is here. At one Chipotle location, anyway. Its first pilot installation has gone live in California. The unique kitchen innovation generated a lot of questions when the concept was unveiled last year…
Dedication to automation
Chipotle hopes so. And it’s hastening to answering a lot of the questions Autocado originally raised – among employees, fans and industry observers.
The idea of a dedicated avocado-processing machine was something new and unique when Chipotle introduced it. In fact, it was one of three new devices being purpose-built for the Tex-Mex resto chain by Vebu Labs – a next-gen automation enabler and Chipotle partner.
The chain also ordered development of Chippy, a completely automated french fry maker, and Hy-phen, “tuned to craft perfectly portioned burrito bowls and salads along an automated makeline, while a human crew member makes burritos, tacos, and quesadillas.”
What, exactly, is Autocado?
Chipotle is now calling its new machines ‘cobots’, distinct from ‘robots’ in that they are designed to with ‘along side’ human employees, not replace them.
Autocado also differs from its original conception in that it is now billed as an automatic avocado processing machine. It was originally supposed to be a fully automatic Guacamole maker, processing up to 25 lb. / 11 kg of fruit at a time. It still takes care of the hard part, removing the skins and pits. And it can do the job, precisely, with minimum waste, in a record 26 seconds.
“The company is expected to use approximately 5.18 million cases of avocados, equivalent to 129.5 million lb. / 58.9 million kg of [avocados],” at locations across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, the official news release estimates.
Listening to feedback
“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,” says Curt Garner, Chief Customer and Technology Officer.
“Optimizing our use of these systems and incorporating crew and customer feedback are the next steps in the stage-gate process before determining their broader pilot plans,” Garner explains.
The takeaway
Introduction of automated systems will enable Chipotle to serve growing numbers of orders – especially for it’s trademark guacamole – while avoiding adding a lot of expensive new human workers. But without killing any jobs,either.
That’s an elegant accommodation of the employees’ initial concerns. And it also fulfills the largest part of the chain’s wish to control costs, and maintain product quality and consistency.
My take
Chipotle has been one of the biggest adopters of automated production and order fulfillment sys-tems in its sector, to date. Other Fast Food brands are easing into automation and robotics, which form the backbone of the industry-wide ‘Resto of the Future’ business model.
And they’re taking a much more aggressive, data-driven approach, using controversial digital order-ing systems that are tightly integrated with AI-driven production systems.
So far, though, even the simplest form of these systems – the automated drive-thru – has failed every real-world test.
Maybe… Chipotle’s ‘cobotics’ approach is the best way to take immediate advantage of automation at this juncture – while the painful kinks are being worked out of AI…
~ Maggie J.