Albert, the Czech subsidiary of netherlands-based Ahold Delhaize, is deploying AI-powered shelf-scanning robots. The provider selected following an initial pilot is US-based Brain Corp which provides a platform on which 40,000 robots operate worldwide. The decision reflects the retailer’s ongoing need for automation in a bid to further improve operational performance.
Beyond concerns about labour shortages, the technology addresses persistent store-level challenges including out-of-stocks, pricing discrepancies, promotional compliance issues and incorrect product placement. All can eventually negatively affect sales performance alongside suppliers and shopper satisfaction.
Brain Corp’s autonomous devices carry out frequent shelf audits using a combination of cameras, RFID and barcode scanning technologies. The robots are powered by BrainOS, a proprietary AI-driven platform. The devices use 3D lidar to create virtual maps of store environments and navigate safely through sales floors. Inventory anomalies detected on the shelves are automatically flagged to employees, enabling faster corrective action and more consistent operational execution.
Successful initial pilot
The pilot delivered particularly strong results in inventory recognition. It reportedly achieved product, price-tag and exception-recognition rates across all product categories well above the 90 per cent target. The performance improved progressively during the trial as the AI system processed additional scans and refined its recognition capabilities through machine learning.
“This allowed us to identify human errors – for example, outdated prices on some paper tags, which we corrected immediately,” details Ivana Stastnikova, Store Operations Process Lead at Albert. The retailer operates 350 stores in Czechia and has already collaborated with Brain Corp since 2022 through the deployment of autonomous Tennant floor-cleaning robots, also powered by BrainOS.
