The Drum Awards for Marketing - Extended Deadline

-d -h -min -sec

Walmart Technology Amazon

Walmart has rolled out shelf-scanning robots at some of its stores

Author

By Minda Smiley, Reporter

October 26, 2017 | 2 min read

Walmart is testing shelf-scanning robots at some of its stores in an effort to automate tasks that are “repeatable, predictable and manual.”

Walmart is testing shelf-scanning robots at more than 50 stores

Walmart is testing shelf-scanning robots at more than 50 stores

According to the retailer, the robots can scan shelves for things like out-of-stock items, incorrect prices and wrong or missing labels. According to Reuters, the robots will pass that data to store employees, who in turn will stock shelves and fix errors.

The technology was initially tested at a small number of stores in Arkansas, California and Pennsylvania, and the retailer is now bringing the robots to an additional 50 locations.

“As with anything we roll out to our stores, the feedback from associates and customers will guide us in how and where we use this technology in the future,” Walmart said in a statement.

The company told Reuters that the robots will not replace workers or affect employee headcount in stores.

The move is part of Walmart’s efforts to keep pace with the likes of Amazon. Earlier this year, the Arkansas-based retailer rolled out free two-day shipping on purchases of $35 or more to rival Amazon Prime.

Walmart Technology Amazon

More from Walmart

View all

Trending

Industry insights

View all
Add your own content +