Robot-Assisted Instore Operations in Grocery Retailing

Abstract

AbstractThe pressure on instore logistics systems of bricks-and-mortar grocery retail stores is bound to increase in future due to rising shopper expectations and less customer traffic in cities caused by online competition. The future management and operations of stores will be a key factor in keeping stores viable. In this chapter, instore logistics systems as part of retail logistics networks are characterized in detail to establish the framework for instore automation approaches. The application of professional service robots for instore logistics from an overall process and end-user perspective is discussed as one approach of many to offer an answer to current challenges of operating bricks-and-mortar stores. Three scenarios are explored and discussed, with different robots applied and different processes supported, i.e., store monitoring, collaborative instore logistics, and autonomous shelf filling. Significant potential is explored by digitally replicating the store, adapting the instore logistics process organization and physically supporting instore operations. Moreover, managerial aspects are discussed such as the profound involvement of store employees in shaping instore operations changes.KeywordsInstore operationsInstore automationDigital store twinAutonomous transportationCollaborative robotics