Chipotle Mexican Grill is taking its experimentation with automation to the next level. Known for its popular burrito bowls and salads, the fast-casual restaurant chain is now testing whether robots can take on the task of assembling these customer favorites. This marks the second time Chipotle has publicly announced its foray into automation, following the success of Chippy, a robot that makes tortilla chips.
The move towards automation is not unique to Chipotle. Many restaurants, including Sweetgreen and Starbucks, have been embracing technology to streamline operations, decrease labor costs, and improve order accuracy and speed. However, implementing robotics and artificial intelligence software can be quite costly, making it a long-term investment for most establishments.
Jonathan Neman, the CEO of Sweetgreen, is a firm believer in the future of automation in the restaurant industry. He even anticipates that all future Sweetgreen locations will be fully automated within the next five years. Chipotle’s recent test with automation is part of a collaboration with Hyphen, a startup focused on automating restaurant kitchens. Last year, Chipotle invested in Hyphen, which currently holds a valuation of $104 million.
Currently, all Chipotle locations have two assembly lines to meet customer orders: one at the front for in-person orders and another in the kitchen for digital orders. The majority of Chipotle’s digital orders involve burrito bowls and salads. With the addition of the Hyphen robot, digital orders for these items will be efficiently prepared. The technology moves the bowls along the assembly line, dispensing the correct ingredients, while an employee assembles other digital orders, such as tacos, quesadillas, and burritos. Once the robot completes the bowl or salad, it sends it back up to the surface for proper packaging by the employees.
Chipotle’s partnership with Hyphen and the implementation of automation reflect the company’s dedication to enhancing the customer experience. It aims to create a seamless process for both in-person and digital customers while maintaining the quality and consistency that Chipotle is known for.
This is just the beginning for Chipotle and its exploration of automation. The company is continuously looking for innovative ways to improve its operations and serve customers more efficiently. As the restaurant industry evolves, the utilization of technology and automation is likely to become more prevalent. Chipotle’s investment in Hyphen and its testing of robotics are clear indicators of its commitment to being at the forefront of industry advancements.
As stated by Marissa Andrada, Chief Diversity, Inclusion and People Officer at Chipotle, “We’re always looking for opportunities to improve the customer experience, whether that’s through technology, innovation or passionately empowering our employees to create the food you love.” With automation, Chipotle is ensuring that its customers can continue to enjoy their favorite burrito bowls and salads in a timely and consistent manner.
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