Automation is a priority for chain whose workers will process almost 60,000 tonnes of the fruit this year
Fast food chain Chipotle is testing an automated machine that it says can turn an avocado into guacamole in just 26 seconds.
As well as speeding up that process, the device may go some way to helping the company reduce its labour costs.
This year, Chipotle workers in North America and Europe are expected to work their way through more than 5m cartons of avocados, or close to 59,000 tonnes.
The company confirmed in a press release that Autocado, an avocado processing prototype developed in partnership with Vebu, has been installed for a trial period at its outlet in Huntington Beach, California.
Autocado is described as cobotic, an automated unit that helps workers by freeing them up. It takes care of the cutting, coring and peeling processes required of a real worker to make its signature guacamole dish.
Another so-called cobotic machine called Augmented Makeline, which uses automated technology to build bowls and salads, will be trialled at different California location.
“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,” said Curt Garner, chief customer and technology officer.
“Optimising 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.”
The payoff is clear: staff will be freed up to prepare other items and attend to guests, while Autocado cuts avocados, removes their skins, and separates the flesh from the stones.
In the US, Canada, and Europe this year, the company said it expects to use approximately 5.18m cases of the fruit, equivalent to nearly 59,000 tonnes.
Founded in 1991, Chipotle now has around 3,500 restaurants, mostly in the US but also in Canada, France, Germany, Kuwait and the UK.
