Robotics

Chipotle testing digital makeline

A Chipotle team member rolls a burrito while the automated makeline assembles a bowl. Provided by Chipotle

October 3, 2023

Three months after unveiling the Autocado, an avocado-processing cobotic prototype that cuts, cores and peels avocados, Chipotle Mexican Grill announced that it was testing an automated digital makeline in collaboration with Hyphen, a foodservice platform designed to automate kitchen operations. Bowls and salads are created by an automated system that moves entrees through the bottom makeline where ingredients are dispensed automatically. In tandem, a Chipotle team member may leverage the top makeline to create burritos, tacos, quesadillas and kid's meals for the same digital order.

"Chipotle's new digital makeline built by Hyphen embodies our commitment to leveraging robotics to unlock the human potential of our workforce, ensuring an elevated dining experience for our guests," Curt Garner, chief customer and technology officer, said in a company press release. "Our goal is to have the automated digital makeline be the centerpiece of all our restaurants' digital kitchens."

How It works

• Digital orders will be placed via the Chipotle app, Chipotle.com or third-party platforms.
• If the order includes a bowl or salad, they are routed to Hyphen's automated system. The bowl travels along the bottom makeline and positions itself under the specified ingredient container. The intelligent dispensers portion each ingredient into the bowl. If the order included burritos, tacos, quesadillas or kid's meals, a Chipotle team member would use the top of the same makeline to create those entrées.
• The completed bowl or salad would be raised from the bottom makeline and revealed at the end of the makeline through an opening in the countertop. A Chipotle team member would place a lid on the entrée and add any final items such as chips, side salsas, or guacamole to the order.
• Completed orders will be placed in their designated pick-up area: in-restaurant pickup shelves, walk-up window, or Chipotlane.

Nearly 65% of all Chipotle digital orders are bowls or salads, so the robotic digital makeline has the potential to free up more time for employees to service the front makeline and deliver exceptional hospitality, while simultaneously increasing capacity for digital orders during peak periods. The makeline could also help enhance digital order accuracy, improving the guest experience, Garner said.

Chipotle's investment in Hyphen
Chipotle invested in Hyphen as part of Cultivate Next, its $50 million venture fund that intends to make early-stage investments into strategically aligned companies that further its mission to Cultivate a Better World and help accelerate its aggressive growth plans. The company is seeking opportunities to elevate the human experience for its teams as well as increase access and convenience for guests. Investments may include innovations in farming and supply chain, advanced robotics and alternative proteins.

Chipotle has over 3,250 restaurants.