Breakthrough for Robomart as Stop & Shop signs on

US supermarket chain Stop & Shop is gearing up to launch driverless grocery vehicles in the Greater Boston area, beginning during Spring. 

Part of an initiative with startup Robomart, these will bring a selection of its produce as well as meal kits and convenience items directly to consumers. “This is one way in which we’re leveraging new technology to make shopping easier for our customers - by essentially bringing the store to them,” says Mark McGowan, Stop & Shop President. 

“We also recognise that many of our customers want the opportunity to make their own choices when it comes to fresh produce, and we're proud to be the first retailer to engage with Robomart to address our customers’ needs with their cutting-edge solution.”

Customers will be able to summon a Robomart vehicle via a mobile app. They then unlock its doors and select the fruits, vegetables, and other products they would like to purchase. When finished shopping, they close the doors and send the vehicle on its way. The vehicles’ RFID and computer vision technology automatically records what customers select and receipts are e-mailed within seconds.

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