Robots are becoming integral parts of grocery store operations by automating routine tasks like inventory management, safety monitoring, and customer assistance, improving both efficiency and customer experience.
- Marty (Ahold Delhaize)
Main Function: Detects spills, hazards, and debris on store floors.
Stores: Used in Giant and Stop & Shop stores.
Customer Assistance: Alerts customers and staff about potential safety issues.
Appearance: Tall, with googly eyes, making it friendly and non-threatening to customers.
Data Collection: Helps monitor shelf conditions and inventory indirectly through other sensors.
- Tally (Simbe Robotics)
Key Features:
Main Function: Autonomous shelf-scanning to monitor inventory levels, pricing, and promotions.
Stores: Used by retailers such as Schnucks Markets and Giant Eagle.
Efficiency: Scans shelves multiple times a day, increasing stock accuracy and reducing out-of-stock instances.
Data Collection: Provides real-time data to retailers about product availability and shelf conditions.
Integration: Can integrate with other store systems for inventory management.
- Auto-C (Caper AI)
Key Features:
Main Function: Self-checkout cart that recognizes items as they are placed inside.
Stores: Used in grocery stores like Kroger.
Scanner-Free Checkout: No need for customers to scan items; sensors and cameras identify products automatically.
AI and Computer Vision: Uses AI and computer vision to enhance the customer’s shopping experience.
Digital Payment: Built-in payment terminal for seamless checkout.
- Osa Cart (Caper AI)
Main Function: AI-powered smart cart with product recognition and checkout features.
Stores: Adopted by several major grocery chains.
Item Recognition: Automatically identifies items without the need for manual scanning.
Weight Sensors: Measures item weight to ensure accuracy.
Display Screen: Provides real-time price and promotions as customers shop.
- LocusBots (Locus Robotics)
Main Function: Autonomous warehouse robots used for picking and sorting orders.
Stores: Deployed in fulfillment centers for grocery chains and retail warehouses like Walmart.
Order Fulfillment: Increases efficiency in e-commerce fulfillment by reducing picking time.
Autonomous Navigation: Able to autonomously navigate the warehouse and pick items for orders.
Fleet Collaboration: Can work in fleets to increase productivity during peak times.
- Smiley (Simbe Robotics)
Main Function: Customer service robot providing assistance and guidance within stores.
Stores: Piloted by some chains for customer interaction.
AI-powered: Conversational AI helps customers locate products and answers queries.
Real-time Updates: Provides updates on store promotions and discounts.
Simbe | The Store Intelligence™ platform retail trusts (simberobotics.com)
- Badger Technologies Autonomous Robots
Main Function: Floor monitoring and inventory scanning.
Stores: Used in Walmart, Schnucks, and other grocery stores.
Hazard Detection: Detects hazards on the floor, such as spills, and informs staff for cleanup.
Inventory Monitoring: Scans shelves to check product availability and pricing.
Communication: Directly communicates with store staff about necessary tasks.
Retail Automation | Badger Technologies (badger-technologies.com)
- Scan & Go Robot (Walmart)
Main Function: Provides a contactless shopping experience by allowing customers to scan items as they go.
Stores: Used in Walmart stores.
Mobile Payment Integration: Customers can pay through the app after scanning, skipping the checkout line.
Inventory Monitoring: Helps improve stock availability by tracking what customers are purchasing.