Autocado processes avocados for guacamole, significantly streamlining the preparation process for restaurants. | Photo courtesy of Vebu
In a strategic move to enhance its robotic capabilities, Serve Robotics is acquiring an innovative avocado-processing robot, a decision that could change the landscape of food automation.
The autonomous delivery company announced on Thursday that it is officially acquiring Vebu, the creator of the Autocado, a cutting-edge machine specifically designed to process avocados into guacamole.
Autocado is particularly recognized for its partnership with Chipotle Mexican Grill, which is currently piloting the robot in select restaurant locations. Additionally, Chipotle has vested interest in Vebu through its Cultivate Next venture fund, a stake that will transfer to Serve as part of this acquisition deal.
The Autocado robot boasts remarkable efficiency, capable of halving, skinning, and pitting up to 25 pounds of avocados in just about 30 minutes. This robotic solution has successfully reduced Chipotle’s guacamole preparation time by an impressive 50%, while also offering substantial cost savings by minimizing food waste, according to claims made by Vebu.
For Serve, this acquisition introduces an innovative robotic solution to their portfolio, expanding their offerings into back-of-house operations for the very first time. Moreover, it secures Serve a significant partnership with Chipotle, known as the ninth-largest restaurant chain in the United States.
San Francisco-based Serve has also established valuable relationships with other well-known brands such as Shake Shack and 7-Eleven. Furthermore, a crucial partnership with Uber Eats allows Serve’s bots to deliver food throughout Los Angeles, showcasing the growing integration of robotics in food delivery.
Founded by the delivery service Postmates in 2018, Serve has undergone significant evolution. After Uber acquired Postmates in 2020, the company was spun off and reestablished as an independent entity. Since then, Uber has invested in Serve, playing a pivotal role in the company’s public listing through a reverse merger completed last year.
Serve’s advanced, AI-powered rovers are designed to navigate sidewalks seamlessly. These four-wheeled units feature Level 4 autonomy, allowing them to operate for extended periods with minimal human intervention, although they remain under the supervision of remote “pilots” for safety and efficiency.
**Interview with John Hartman, CEO of Serve Robotics**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, John. Let’s dive right in. Serve Robotics has just announced the acquisition of Vebu, the creator of the Autocado. What prompted this strategic move?
**John Hartman**: Thank you for having me! This acquisition aligns perfectly with our vision of enhancing efficiency in food preparation. Vebu’s Autocado not only automates the labor-intensive process of preparing avocados but also helps restaurants reduce waste and maintain consistent quality in their offerings.
**Interviewer**: The Autocado has been piloted at certain Chipotle locations. Can you share how the feedback has been so far from both employees and customers?
**John Hartman**: Absolutely. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Employees appreciate the reduction in repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more customer-facing activities. Customers, on the other hand, are enjoying the fresher guacamole consistently produced by the robot, which meets Chipotle’s quality standards.
**Interviewer**: Chipotle has also invested in Vebu through its Cultivate Next venture fund. How does this partnership affect your collaboration with them moving forward?
**John Hartman**: This partnership sets a solid foundation for further collaboration. With Chipotle’s backing, we have access to invaluable insights into their operational needs, which can help us optimize the Autocado’s functionality. We see this relationship growing and yielding further innovations in food automation.
**Interviewer**: What do you envision for the future of food automation, particularly in the context of restaurants?
**John Hartman**: The future looks promising. We’re at the cusp of a significant transformation in how restaurants operate. Automation will help not just with efficiency, but also with consistency in food quality. I believe we will see more intelligent systems that integrate seamlessly with human operations, allowing staff to deliver exceptional dining experiences.
**Interviewer**: Exciting times ahead indeed! Any final thoughts you’d like to share with our audience?
**John Hartman**: Yes, I’d like to emphasize that our goal is to empower restaurant staff with the tools they need to succeed. Technology should enhance human capabilities, not replace them. We’re committed to that vision as we move forward with this acquisition and beyond. Thank you!
**Interviewer**: Thank you, John, for sharing these insights with us today. We’re looking forward to seeing how Serve Robotics continues to innovate in the food industry!
