Transcend Retail Solutions should rethink interest in Attabotics technology within Tesco stores
Last month, we reported that Transend Retail Solutions, owned by Tesco, was interested in testing out Attabotics’ automated fulfilment technology despite the Canadian firm collapsing into bankruptcy this year.
RTIH understands that, contrary to some media reports, no firm plans are in place, and Transcend Retail Solutions might to keep it that way, according to Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant and former Amazon executive.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: "I have a lot of respect for Tesco and Transcend. However, I've referred to Attabotics as the "Ford Pinto of micro-fulfillment" since April 2021, due to the fact that it catches on fire more than any other automation solution on the market. Nordstrom and Canadian Tire suffered severe fires from Attabotics."
He added: "I cringe at the thought of Transcend installing Attabotics systems inside Tesco's stores and warehouses. Statistically, if 30 of these systems are installed, three to six could catch on fire, according to a source from Attabotics. Is Kay Majid (Group General Counsel at Tesco) aware of any of this?"
“In discussions with Attabotics founder Scott Gravelle, I asked him if the fire issues had been corrected. Scott replied, “I hope so but I don’t know for sure.” I knew he was frustrated by the fires.”
Ladd concluded: "Transcend should require that the Attabotics system be redesigned to be fire proof and certified by a third party as being 100% safe, or it should contact Fabric to assess their technology and platform."
Tesco declined to address Ladd’s claims, whilst Lafayette Systems, which bought Attabotics’ remaining assets out of bankruptcy, did not respond to our request for comment.
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Automation was a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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