Safety first as UK electricals online retailer AO taps AI and fleet management solutions from Samsara

AO says that it has achieved 16% annual cost savings and reduced road incidents across its 1,000+ fleet of commercial vehicles by implementing AI and fleet management solutions from Samsara.

These vehicles are equipped with telematics technology and AI dash cams, with visibility of the entire fleet provided through Samsara’s Connected Operations Platform.

Driver time has been saved by replacing manual vehicle walkarounds carried out with paper and pen with intuitive digital walkarounds using a driver app. Proactive, AI driven vehicle maintenance has delivered 31% cost savings annually and an 8% reduction in tyre spend, despite completing more miles. And insurance premiums have reduced by 25% due to lower accident rates.

Shaun Carter, Regional Manager at AO, comments: “Samsara is central to our operations, saving us time, helping us keep costs down, and making life easier for our drivers. We’ve got a single source of truth to monitor driver performance, track our fleet of vehicles, and provide training to the drivers that need it most.”

Through in-cab alerts and AI dash cams, drivers are warned about any risky behaviour in real-time and data is used to provide targeted coaching to its drivers. The introduction of a driver safety score has driven competition between the drivers to enhance their road performance.

Carter adds: “The safety score is now a hugely important KPI as it demonstrates the work we've done and encourages drivers to compete amongst each other, and by proving that score we receive a discount on insurance premiums too. It’s about much more than cost savings though. Safer drivers means fewer accidents, more reliable deliveries, and, ultimately, happier customers.”

Philip van der Wilt, SVP and GM EMEA at Samsara, comments: “Connecting physical operations can have a transformative impact, as AO is demonstrating through improved efficiency, vehicle performance and road safety. By empowering businesses with full visibility and management of their fleet, Samsara is playing a pivotal role in enhancing the driver experience and the service they deliver to customers.”

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days

Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.