New Technology Takes Center Stage at NRF’s Big Show
Thousands of exhibitors showcase tech innovations for the supermarket industry, from supply chain to checkout.
The National Retail Federation’s Big Show, held this month, showcased the latest technological advancements in the supermarket industry. With thousands of exhibitors in attendance, the event highlighted tech innovations for every aspect of the supermarket, from supply chain management to the checkout lane. Supermarket News interviewed some of the most cutting-edge companies in the industry to learn more about the latest developments.
Shrink and Theft Prevention Technologies Innovate Loss Prevention Efforts
Auror and Signifi Solutions offer AI-powered cameras and locking shelf technology to combat shrink and theft.
Auror, a top provider of license plate recognition technology, is being utilized by major retailers like Walmart and Best Buy to enhance security measures. Their AI-powered cameras can detect repeat offenders the moment they enter a retailer’s parking lot, giving management the opportunity to take preventive action.
Signifi Solutions, on the other hand, offers locking shelf technology designed to prevent shoplifting of high-priced items such as wine and liquor. The shelves can be wirelessly locked and unlocked from anywhere in the store, providing an additional layer of security.
Smart Cart Technology Revolutionizes the Shopping Experience
Easy Shopper’s AI-powered smart carts aim to compete with Instacart’s Caper Cart technology.
Easy Shopper, a company that has already implemented its smart cart technology in over 180 stores in Germany, is aiming to challenge Instacart’s Caper Cart technology. These AI-powered carts come in two models, with one option that can be retrofitted to existing shopping carts. By leveraging advanced technology, these smart carts enhance the shopping experience for customers.
Robotics Streamline Warehouse and Inventory Management
Apptronik, Vici Robotics, and Badger Technologies introduce robotic solutions for warehouses and supermarkets.
Apptronik, an Austin-based robotics company, is already deploying its robotic workers in warehouses across the United States. Their robots improve efficiency and productivity in warehouse operations, making the supply chain more streamlined.
Vici Robotics offers robots that travel the aisles of supermarkets after hours, replenishing inventory and ensuring a fully stocked store by opening time the next day. By automating this process, supermarkets can optimize their inventory management and improve customer satisfaction.
Badger Technologies gained attention with their Marty the Robot, which updates store inventory using artificial intelligence. The googly-eyed robot has become a standout innovation in the grocery tech industry, attracting both customers and retailers.
Retail Media Networks Revolutionize In-Store Marketing
Ricoh USA launches its nut-to-soup retail media network solution at NRF.
Ricoh USA announced the launch of its retail media network solution at NRF. This video marketing solution presents a significant challenge to in-store video operations that have been launched in recent years. With this technology, retailers can enhance their marketing efforts and provide a more engaging shopping experience for customers.
At the National Retail Federation’s Big Show, new technology took the spotlight as exhibitors showcased their innovations for the supermarket industry. From AI-powered cameras and smart carts to robotics and retail media networks, the event demonstrated the industry’s commitment to embracing new technology to enhance operations. These advancements aim to streamline processes, improve security, and create a more engaging shopping experience for customers.
Analyst comment
Positive news: The National Retail Federation’s Big Show showcased new technology advancements in the supermarket industry, from AI-powered cameras to smart carts and retail media networks. These innovations aim to improve security, streamline operations, and enhance the shopping experience for customers. The market is expected to see increased adoption of these technologies, leading to improved efficiency and customer satisfaction.