retail

ServiceNow has signed an agreement to acquire artificial intelligence (AI) powered platform G2K for retail and other industries. G2K’s technology allows organizations to connect real‑time data across storefronts and other physical spaces for a complete view of operational data. ServiceNow plans to add G2K’s smart IoT technology to the Now Platform, enabling businesses to intelligently action digital and in‑store data with enterprise‑grade workflows.

In a research project West Virginia University engineers are deploying robots to help workers by saving them from potential slips, falls and workplace hazards. Yu Gu and Jason Gross, associate professors in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, have received $367,000 from the National Science Foundation to study ways of reducing falling risk in retail environments.

Badger Technologies has deployed a pilot program with Vallarta Supermarkets, a chain of 53 full-service markets throughout California, to reinforce operational and customer-service excellence. Badger Technologies multipurpose autonomous robots support the retailer by identifying hazards at five Vallarta Supermarkets in Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Vallarta also is testing the robot’s inventory management capabilities at a sixth location aimed at improving on-shelf product availability.

London department store Selfridges showcases the future role of robotics in retail. An ABB robot demonstrates 3D printing using upcycled Parley Ocean Plastic to create a range of designer items. Personalized items can be ordered on site by customers and produced in-situ by the robot, ready for purchase.

10 human-friendly, strong and easily accessible mobile robots will help the employees of BILKA Odense with the physically heavy and time-consuming tasks. This is the result of a fruitful collaboration between startup Coalescent Mobile Robotics and BILKA. The collaboration marks the beginning of a new technological era for the retail industry.

Walmart Canada is investing more than $118 million to build a new high-tech sortable fulfillment centre. For the first time Walmart Canada will use robotic technology from GreyOrange. This platform will speed up order fulfillment by using an advanced operating system that will help associates store, pick and sort items by using smart and flexible storage abilities to manage a large and wide variety of inventory.

For many retailers, competitive pricing analysis is the key to increase their revenue and stay ahead of competition. Global shifts are forcing these companies to become more data-centric, collect and analyze pricing data, map their position against competitors, and offer optimal prices.

At the 2021 China International Import Expo (CIIE), Hanshow has announced a commercial AI camera-driven retail solution, developed through a collaboration with Microsoft and Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (Sony). This solution monitors out-of-stock occurrences along with product volume status, customer traffic flows, sales levels, and other store information. 

UVD Robots, the Danish provider of autonomous UV disinfection robots, partners with OCC Commercial Consulting to offer complete hospital-grade disinfection solutions for supermarkets.

Retailers in the U.K. are looking to upgrade their e-commerce platforms and improve customer experience in response to a pandemic-induced spike in online shopping here, according to a new report published today by Information Services Group a technology research and advisory firm.