Rise of Retail Robots

American billionaire internet entrepreneur Marc Benioff once said, “The only constant in the technology industry is change.” Of course, the ever-evolving world of technology impacts every single business sector across the globe – and retail facilities management is certainly not immune. In fact, the FM industry is often a trailblazer when it comes to adopting new tech and driving innovation.

So, what’s next on the tech horizon for FM? Robots, of course.

Robots, Drones and AI…Oh My!

As far-fetched as it may seem, artificial intelligence (AI) is actually not a new concept in the retail world. In fact, robots, drones, artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies are already being used by some retailers and suppliers.

“This is a very exciting time for retail operations with the recent advancements in AI technology and the increased number of robots being deployed into the field,” said Sandy Agnos, Director, Product Management with Brain Corporation. 

A San Diego-based software company, Brain Corp. specializes in the development of intelligent, autonomous navigation systems that automate commercial equipment. The company was co-founded in 2009 by world-renowned computational neuroscientist, Dr. Eugene Izhikevich, and serial tech entrepreneur, Dr. Allen Gruber, to focus on artificial intelligence and robotics development. Brain Corp. is currently focused on developing advanced machine learning and computer vision systems for the next generation of self-driving vehicles. 

“We’re beginning to see the true value intelligent machines provide through data capture and greater efficiencies,” Agnos emphasized. She explained that these robots have the ability to handle “lower value tasks” so retail operations employees can focus on more complex, high-priority needs. 

“In operations and materials handling, robotic and AI technologies are enabling machines to autonomously deliver materials to store floors, in warehouses, and even from stores to consumer homes,” she pointed out. “When it comes to retail intelligence, robots collect vast amounts of information, taking visual inputs and converting them into actionable data that empower retailers to improve processes and better estimate product fulfillment needs.” 

In other words, these robotic “smart cameras” don’t simply record activity in a retail space – they also have the ability to report relevant information to interested parties to help improve customer service, security and facilities management. 

A Glimpse into FM Future

Agnos believes intelligent technologies will become even more widely implemented across retail facilities management in the coming years. “We will see humans and robots working side-by-side in a dynamic, symbiotic relationship,” she said. “Robots will assist humans with increased efficiencies, more accurate store intelligence and improved safety. As robots relieve humans of lower-level tasks, we will be free to take on more significant roles and the result will be an improvement in the overall well-being of human lives.”

According to Agnos, the retailers and suppliers who adopt these cutting-edge technologies will survive and thrive well into the future. She predicted, “The companies driving AI and robotic technologies forward and enabling actionable intelligence will be responsible for future-proofing brick-and-mortar retailers.”

By: Amy Bell