Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
Morrisons has introduced its latest personnel— aisle-navigating robots designed to enhance supermarket operations. The supermarket chain is testing ‘Tally’ robots in three locations: Wetherby, Redcar, and Stockton. These automated assistants are tasked with monitoring product displays on shelves.
## Morrisons Employs Robots to Streamline Operations
### Advanced Technology for Inventory Management
Using cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision technology, the Tally robots can identify out-of-stock items, pricing discrepancies, and misplaced products. This technological deployment aims to bolster inventory management and improve overall efficiency.
### A Shift Towards Automated Assistance
The role is vital but time-consuming, so the integration of Tally robots allows more time for staff to concentrate on customer service, explained Katherine Allanach.
## Retail Transformation and Job Implications
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The announcement follows Morrisons’ decision to permanently close numerous cafes and stores. A comprehensive review identified areas where operational costs were disproportionate to usage, volumes, or customer value. Consequently, 365 jobs have been put at risk of redundancy, although the retailer assures that most employees will be redeployed within the company.
## Global Presence and Technical Specifications
The Tally robots, developed by US firm Simbe Robotics, are already in use by several global retailers, including Carrefour, BJ’s, Albertsons, ShopRite, and Kroger.
### Features and Capabilities of Tally Robots
– **Camera Systems**: Utilizing a mix of autofocus, auto-exposure, and HDR camera technology, these robots analyze shelf stock.
Simbe Robotics states that Tally is engineered to provide accurate inventory data in various retail settings, from standard fixtures and variable shelving units to coolers, freezers, and top stock auditing.
Tally is designed to seamlessly integrate into challenging retail environments, such as narrow, crowded spaces and aisles.
– **Efficiency**: Tally can scan up to 30,000 products per hour with 99% accuracy.
– **Autonomy**: Tally will autonomously dock and recharge when battery levels are low.
### Streetwise integration and Privacy
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The Tally robots have a tall and slim design with ‘polite, courteous expressions’ ensuring that in crowded store spaces, customer experiences are never disrupted. Despite being fitted with high-tech cameras, Simbe Robotics ensures that these robots only focus on shelves and do not record individuals.
‘Tally is not meant to conduct surveillance,’ the company noted.
## Previous Technological Ventures
### Customer Response to Innovations
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This is not the first time Morrisons has ventured into technological innovations. Previously, the retailer faced backlash on social media after implementing buttons that customers had to press to purchase pricey alcoholic beverages. One user commented, ‘I must admit, this will completely deter me from buying any spirits from Morrisons. What an absolute joke. Buzz for booze? Let’s go elsewhere.’