Walmart, Alert Innovation test out Alphabot system

Walmart has teamed with startup Alert Innovation to launch a pilot involving Alphabot, with automation tech helping staff members more quickly fill online grocery orders.

“Our online grocery service is already a huge hit with customers, allowing them to quickly and conveniently order groceries online, select a pickup time and have those groceries delivered to their car in minutes,” says Mark Ibbotson, Executive Vice President of Central Operations, Walmart US.

“Alphabot will work behind the scenes to make the process even easier by automatically bringing items from storage to associates who will consolidate the items in the order. For our pickup associates, that means less time walking the store aisles in search of products and more time ensuring customers are getting the absolute best in fresh produce, meats, etc.”

The system is being installed at Walmart’s supercentre in Salem, New Hampshire, as part of the store’s re-opening. A 20,000-square-foot extension connected to the store houses the new system and will serve as a dedicated grocery pickup point with drive through lanes for customers. Automated mobile carts will retrieve ordered items – stored warehouse-style in the new space – then deliver them to associates at one of four pick stations. Personal shoppers will then pick, assemble and deliver orders to customers.

“We plan to have Alphabot online and running by the end of the year. In the meantime, shoppers at our Salem store can expect our regular grocery pickup service to launch 1st October. We also plan to offer grocery delivery from the store in the coming months,” says Ibbotson.

“With the aid of Alphabot, our associates will have more time to focus on service and selling, the two things they often tell us are the most enjoyable part of the job, while the technology handles the more mundane, repeatable tasks. Although this is a small pilot, we expect big things from it. We have a lot to learn about this new technology, and we’re excited about the possibilities of how we can use it to make the future of shopping – and working – even better,” he concludes.