Six innovative retail technology deployments

These retailers and brands are leading the way in providing technology and experiences that are one step ahead of their customers’ expectations.

1. CVS Pharmacy

Autonomous robotics startup Nuro is to test delivery of prescriptions and essentials in Houston, Texas through a partnership with CVS Pharmacy.

2. Bose

US startup Lolli has announced that its users can now earn up to 2.5% Bitcoin back when shopping online at Bose.com.

3. Cainiao

Self-driving cars have been spotted in some neighbourhoods in China. These robots are part of Cainiao’s efforts to create contactless solutions for last-mile deliveries in the wake of Covid-19. See them in action here.

4. Amazon

Amazon has patented a system for verifiable tracking of a product through a supply chain using a distributed electronic ledger.

The US Patent and Trademark Office approved the e-commerce giant’s filing last week. It describes using distributed ledger technology to infuse “digital trust from the first mile of an item’s supply chain to the last”.

5. Co-op

Co-op is extending its deployment of Starship Technologies robots across Milton Keynes and surrounding towns and villages.

The retailer first teamed up with Starship Technologies in April 2018 to offer an emission free online home delivery service. It has seen the number of customers using robot deliveries more than double since the start of lockdown, with the value of transactions increasing four-fold as shopping habits change.