Chipotle to Deploy Avocado-Processing Robot and Automated Salad Maker in California Locations

Move over humans! Robots are here.Photo byDoris MorganonUnsplash

Chipotle is taking its innovation to the next level by introducing advanced automation at two of its Southern California locations. The fast-casual chain announced on Monday that it will begin deploying Autocado, an avocado-processing robot, and its Augmented Makeline technology, designed to automate bowl and salad preparation.

The Autocado robot is capable of handling up to 25 pounds of unpeeled avocados at once. It can slice them in half, remove the skin and pit, and then drop the peeled avocados into a bowl, where Chipotle employees will take over to mix the ingredients for the chain’s signature guacamole. Developed in collaboration with product development company Vebu, Autocado will debut at Chipotle’s Huntington Beach location at 20972 Magnolia St.

Chipotle’s Augmented Makeline, which automates the preparation of bowls and salads, will be deployed at the Corona del Mar location at 3050 East Coast Hwy. This new technology will be tasked with building bowls and salads at the bottom of the makeline, while employees continue making burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and kids’ meals at the top.