Chipotle Is Bringing Its Tortilla-Making Robot To California Joints

One of Chipotle’s Californian locations in Fountain Valley will introduce a robot to its team. The tortilla-making robot will be helping out around the kitchen as the company plans on weaving AI into its restaurants to amp up productivity.

The robotic arm, Chippy, was developed by Miso Robotics and will be in charge of frying up tortilla chips and cutting down waiting times for customers.  

Alongside Chippy is a separate AI system that will be installed to predict customers’ orders so kitchen staff can get to cooking, essentially cutting down waiting times. In addition, the new model will be able to relay to employees how many different menu items will be ordered and what quantity to prepare, according to predictions based on historical data. Eventually, this will be brought to eight other locations in Orange County, California. 

The company is also improving its app to alert delivery drivers and customers when their food is ready. 

While the rise of automation in the food and retail sectors has caused some concern, it appears to be helpful in overcoming staff shortage.  For example, Panera Bread and McDonald’s are both implementing AI systems to take orders at drive-thru windows. 

[via Engadget and CNBC, cover image via Miso Robotics]