Many restaurants, including Sweetgreen and Starbucks, are investing in automation to reduce labor costs and enhance order consistency and speed. However, the high costs of robotics and artificial intelligence software mean it could be years before the technology becomes profitable for restaurants.
Key takeaways:
- Chipotle Mexican Grill is testing automation for the preparation of customers’ burrito bowls and salads.
- This is the second time the company has publicly announced testing automation, with the first being a robot named Chippy that makes tortilla chips.
- Other restaurants like Sweetgreen and Starbucks have also been investing in automation to reduce labor costs and improve order consistency and speed.
- Despite the potential benefits, robotics and artificial intelligence software can be expensive, suggesting it may be years before the technology becomes financially beneficial for restaurants.