Tesco is trialling Simbe Robotics’ inventory robot, Tally, in one of its stores. This reports Toby Pickard, Retail Futures Senior Partner at British trade association Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD). Tally moves autonomously through the store’s aisles to detect out-of-stocks, pricing errors and misplaced products.
The robot scans the shelves several times a day and uses computer vision and AI to analyse their condition. When the system detects any deviations from the desired state, it notifies store teams via mobile app. Tally documents the results digitally or in printed form. In addition, the system generates prioritised action lists. This is intended to help the retailer identify potential problems more quickly, improve stock accuracy and free up staff to focus on customer service.
Toby Pickard does not view the trial as an isolated measure but rather paints a broader picture in light of the company’s recent decisions: “It feels like Tesco is building towards the hyper-connected store, where robotics, AI, computer vision, digital shelf infrastructure and connected operations work together to create smarter store execution, empower store colleagues, and ultimately deliver a better shopping experience.”
On the way to the connected store
Tesco has recently introduced autonomous cleaning robots at its convenience stores and supermarkets. A month ago, the company announced that it would be equipping all its UK outlets with ESLs from Chinese manufacturer Hanshow. The Retail Optimiser reported. Furthermore, the retailer is currently testing an AI assistant for its staff, designed to help them advise customers on meal planning and putting together their shopping baskets.
Toby Pickard observes that discussions about retail technology often focus too much on individual innovations. However, the real transformation happens when these technologies begin to work as an integrated ecosystem. “Tesco’s recent moves suggest that’s exactly the direction it’s heading,” he said.
Smart sensors enable safe navigation
Simbe Robotics’ shelf-monitoring robot uses a variety of different sensors to navigate safely around the store without disrupting customer traffic. Tally moves at less than a third of a person’s walking speed. If it encounters an obstacle, the device stops immediately. The manufacturer states that the system can determine its position with an accuracy of three to five centimetres.
Simbe Robotics has fitted the device with more than twelve high-resolution cameras. The company promises 99 per cent accuracy in recognising shelf labels. The systems can also determine the volume of items and see deep into the shelves. This enables them to flag low stock levels at an early stage.
Spar Austria expands its Tally trial
Tesco is not the first British retail company to trial Tally. Its competitor Morrisons had already piloted the system last year. Spar Austria also began trial operations at two sites last summer. The Retail Optimiser reported. The company has since announced that it is expanding the trial to a total of six Eurospar and Interspar stores.
