Last week’s biggest retail technology plays at a glance
RTIH rounds up the stand out retail systems deals, deployments and pilots from the past seven days. Featuring DPD, Cartken, ASICS, A.S. Watson Group, Żabka Group, AiFi, Netto, Imagr, and Morrisons.
DPD is to commence autonomous robot deliveries in two Milton Keynes neighbourhoods, as part of a trial with Cartken.
The DPD branded robots, which will operate out of the firm's Knowlhill depot, will navigate the city's traffic-free Redway network to access the residential neighbourhoods of Shenley Church End and Shenley Lodge.
Powered by AI technology, the robots are currently ‘learning' the routes and will then be able to find their way to delivery addresses, fully autonomously.
Sports company ASICS has hired conversational AI software tool Amelia as a digital service agent.
ASICS says that it will be able to boost its customer experience by enabling 24/7 omnichannel support, as well as reducing the time employees spend on repetitive and mundane issues.
RevLifter has announced the launch of its RevWallet solution after a beta testing phase involving beauty brand Face the Future.
RevWallet helps e-commerce retailers to simplify their on-site incentivisation efforts by delivering personalised deals, product recommendations, and marketing messages in real-time through a single hub.
The solution also leverages machine learning via the company’s ‘predilection’ system to build a precise view of what each customer needs to convert and often spend more, based on similar journeys.
Health and beauty retailer, A.S. Watson, is investing an additional $115 million in technology this year to accelerate digital transformation and delivery of its O+O (online and offline) platform strategy.
Key focus areas include its in-house eLab and TECHLab initiatives, and further building machine learning, artificial intelligence, Big Data and retail technology capabilities.
Swedish pharmacy Apotek Hjärtat is partnering with GreyOrange to develop automation solutions for its new 20,000 square metre e-commerce warehouse that will open in September in Norrköping.
Working with the London Borough of Hackney, Amazon has launched its first UK micromobility hub for more sustainable deliveries in Central London.
E-cargo bikes and walkers from the facility, along with Amazon’s electric fleet already on London’s roads, will make over five million deliveries a year across more than 10% of the city’s Ultra Low Emission Zone.
Netto is testing out a shopping cart from Imagr that scans items and handles payment, enabling shoppers to skip checkout queues.
This is now live at Kirkegårdsvej in Copenhagen, Kongelundsvej in Copenhagen, Runevej in Aarhus, Bybuen in Skovlunde and Virum.
The shopper’s smartphone is connected to the shopping cart via the Netto+ app. When the cart is filled with goods, these are automatically registered with the user receiving a digital receipt.
The trial is set to run until July.
Polish convenience giant Żabka Group has opened its 50th Żabka Nano checkout-free store.
These leverage AI powered computer vision technology created via cooperation with AiFi.
In a LinkedIn post, Patryk Powierża, Żabka Nano Growth, said: “BOOM! Store number 50 has been opened.”
“After about a year from opening the first autonomous outlet, we have reached the milestone of 50 stores.”
“That number strengthens our position as the biggest chain of autonomous stores in Europe. Easily you can estimate one week – now new store. It’s HUGE!”
The Co-op and Microsoft Caboodle platform is now live in all of the former’s 2,600 food stores across the UK.
Created with technology consultancy BJSS and Team ITG, the not for profit digital solution enables UK supermarkets, cafés and restaurants to connect with community groups and volunteers to redistribute surplus food.
It is built on Microsoft’s Power Platform technology.
Adyen has been chosen by Fast Retailing, operator of UNIQLO, to power payments for the brand’s in-store and online checkout in multiple markets.
Lindex has selected the Aptos Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solution.
The fashion company says that this will enable it to streamline and automate critical processes involved in the creation and management of its collections, resulting in faster time to market, increased emphasis on quality and sustainability and better collaboration within the organisation and with suppliers.
Mercaux has announced the launch of a partnership with UK women’s fashion retailer, Jigsaw.
Phase one will, according to a press release, “provide a more seamless and inspirational in-store experience for customers by introducing Mercaux’s Store Associate operated, Assisted Selling and Digital Styling solutions.”
The deployment of these solutions will give Jigsaw store representatives real-time access to product discovery and availability across the endless aisle, alongside selling content, such as styling suggestions and recommendations.
The in-store experience will be further enhanced in phase two by the introduction of a trial of Mercaux’s latest solution to the market, Next Generation Composable Checkout, enabling customers to checkout using any payment method wherever and however they wish, be this in-store, online or remotely.
Morrisons has overhauled its iPhone and Android app.
In an email to its customers, it said: “Welcome to your brand new My Morrisons app! Offering you more ways to save on your shopping.”
“We listened to your feedback, and made some exciting changes. From personalised offers, to money off coupons, plus the chance to bag a bonus offer when you swipe your card or scan the app. Simply visit your app store, search for My Morrisons and click update. Enjoy!”
