Retail communications specialist VoCoVo announces go live for company's new AI Gateway solution

VoCoVo has announced the launch of the VoCoVo AI Gateway, a solution that enables retailers to securely integrate their existing AI directly into the company’s ecosystem. It says that this connection between AI platforms and in-store colleagues enables retailers to create their own digital assistants. 

With the AI Gateway, colleagues get AI driven insights delivered in real-time through their headset. With two-way communication, colleagues can ask questions hands-free on the shop floor and receive instant responses.

The solution is also AI agnostic, which enables retailers to connect with whichever AI tools they are using today or into the future. Data security is core to its approach, with retailers retaining ownership of all their own data.

Designed to meet strict security requirements, it eliminates the need to share data with third parties. VoCoVo says it provides a secure, security by design link between store colleagues and the retailer’s AI, with no data stored, processed or used for any purpose other than for secure transmission between the solution and the team’s headsets. Conversations are private and protected by advanced encryption, in line with data protection and governance requirements.

This new capability - delivered by the Series 5 Pro Headset - is informed directly by feedback from VoCoVo’s retail customer base. The solution enables retailers to maintain control over the AI systems they introduce to their stores, and the AI Gateway enhances the ROI from their AI without adding complexity.

For retailers embracing digital assistants, use cases for the AI Gateway range from integration with retailers' workflow management systems for equipment maintenance to stock checks for customer requested items.

For example, colleagues can not only enquire about the location and price of a particular product through their headset, but also receive recommendations on complementary items, replacement products during out-of-stock situations, and even guidance on what to upsell to customers. All of these tasks can be completed hands free, without leaving the customer waiting alone.

Beth Worrall, CEO at VoCoVo, says: “Over 3o years working with the world’s leading retailers has given us something invaluable: a real understanding of what colleagues need to do their best work. AI is accelerating fast, and the retailers we partner with are ambitious about what it can do for their business.”

“But ambition alone doesn’t deliver results - it’s what reaches colleagues on the shop floor that makes the difference. The VoCoVo AI Gateway ensures AI works for people, not the other way around. More informed, empowered colleagues create better experiences for themselves and every customer they serve.”

As the AI Gateway is delivered through the VoCoVo Series 5 Pro, retailers require no new hardware or training. VoCoVo will be offering those attending Retail Technology Show 2026 the chance to experience the AI Gateway, with live demos taking place at stand N48, between 22nd-23rd April. 

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

AI will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC 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.