Kroger and NVIDIA team on AI enabled applications and services
The Kroger Co. and NVIDIA have announced a strategic collaboration involving artificial intelligence powered applications and services.
The pair will build an AI lab and demonstration centre.
The aim is to expand Kroger’s freshness initiatives, improve shipping logistics and create a better shopping experience in stores through digital twin simulations — virtual models designed to accurately reflect store layouts and other operations.
“Our collaboration with NVIDIA supports our ‘Fresh for Everyone’ commitment,” says Wesley Rhodes, Vice President of Technology Transformation & Research and Development at Kroger.
“We look forward to learning more about how AI and data analytics will further our journey to provide our customers with anything, anytime, anywhere.”
The lab will be located in Kroger’s Cincinnati-based headquarters office.
It will use the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software suite for retail, Omniverse Enterprise to build digital twin simulations and cuOpt to explore logistics optimisations.
The initial installation will use nine NVIDIA DGX A100 systems, InfiniBand networking and RTX workstations to gather actionable insights on the grocer’s nearly 2,800 stores across the United States
“This collaboration on AI and digital twins will further expand Kroger’s digital technology leadership,” says Azita Martin, Vice President and General Manager of Retail at NVIDIA.
“Kroger already is delivering excellent customer experiences in stores and providing fast home delivery. With NVIDIA AI, shoppers gain more personalised experiences in physical stores and online.”
