Walmart is testing out a new robot with artificial intelligence to stock shelves in four Southern California stores, including the Santa Clarita location on Kelly Johnson Parkway.
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“The cutting-edge technology handles tedious tasks that are repeatable and predictable — like scanning shelves for out-of-stocks — giving associates the data and time they need to better serve today’s customers,” said a Walmart press release. “The automated units, produced by California-based Bossa Nova Robotics, uses AI and machine learning to help identify where in-stock levels are low, prices are wrong or labels are missing.”
The robots are expected to be able to scan dozens of aisles in under an hour.
“Our associates see the opportunity for this technology to focus on tasks that are repeatable, predictable and manual — freeing up their time to focus on selling merchandise and serving customers, which they tell us have always been the most exciting parts of working in retail,” said Panthi Patel, Walmart store manager in Burbank. “Our approach is unique: we see technology as a tremendous opportunity to empower our people because we know how vital the human touch is to delivering for our customers.”
Walmart has expanded the use of the technology to 50 locations in the U.S., including the ones in southern California, according to officials.
“Store associates have become strong advocates for the technology, which empowers them to work smarter and increases their productivity,” said the Walmart press release.
Having the robots keep products customers want available at the right time, is set to create a less stressful and more effective customer experience.
“Walmart understands that customer habits and shopping expectations are changing at an incredibly fast pace and to meet the rapidly changing demands of their customers, they are embracing technology to better allow their associates to serve their customers,” said Martin Hitch, Bossa Nova Chief Business Officer. “We are excited to learn from associates and store managers as we work with Walmart to deploy our technology.”
Future expansion of the technology is set to be determined by feedback from Walmart associates and customers.
The following local Walmart Supercenters are now utilizing the new shelf-scanning technology Santa Clarita Walmart, the Palmdale Walmart, Lancaster Walmart and Burbank Walmart.
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They are not actually going to stock shelfs, they are scanning shelfs for empty items and tell the workers what to actually stock.