RTIH runs through this week's coolest retail technology plays
RTIH Editor, Scott Thompson, brings you his top ‘future of retail’ systems launches and deployments from the past week, including autonomous robot deliveries, checkout-free stores, NFTs, and surplus food redistribution platforms.
DPD and Cartken
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.
Żabka Group
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!”
A.S. Watson Group
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.
Evri and Zedify
Evri is trialling a delivery solution with Zedify, using pedal powered electric vehicles such as cargo bikes, as part of the company’s sustainable last mile strategy.
This is taking place in Bristol.
Early data from the trial shows a 13% increase in efficiency, plus a 98% reduction in carbon in the final mile when delivered by bike compared to a traditional van delivery, aided by an increase in volume.
The estimated carbon saving figure in the final mile would be 62kg co2e per week.
Co-op
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.
Netto
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.
Piestro and Serve Robotics
Pinterest is rolling out new merchant features, including product tagging on Pins and a Pinterest API for Shopping.
The aim is to make it easier for merchants to create engaging shopping experiences for users.
Prada
Prada has released its second Timecapsule NFT Collection, which is linked to both a gender-neutral physical shirt and a gifted NFT.
This drop follows the launch of the first Timecapsule NFT Collection on June 2nd in collaboration with artist Cassius Hirst.
That resulted in an immediate sell out of the collection. The launch also coincided with the creation of the Prada Crypted server on Discord.
Jigsaw
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.
