Joachim Pinhammer

Rewe is expanding the reach of its delivery service to 1.6 million households in the Ruhr region with a new Food Fulfilment Centre (FFC) in the city of Bochum. The distribution centre, which relies largely on manual processing, supports employees with pick-to-light technology during order picking.

Codè Crai Ovest has started to deploy an app called `Last minute sotto casa' by start-up LMSC to minimise food waste. The Italian cooperative uses it to inform shoppers on items to be bought at lower prices shortly before they reach their expiry date.

Colruyt is testing the use of cameras and AI to identify goods at a supermarket in Halle, Belgium. The solution, developed by its in-house technology team, is designed to reduce workload of checkout staff and speed up the process by a fifth.

Currys is piloting the use of robots in customer service. In four of the British retailer's electronics stores, KettyBots from Pudu Robotics help visitors find the goods they want.

Pet Supermarket automates forecasting and replenishment with the AI-based software from Relex. With the move, the US pet retailer aims to drive availability for customers and support its growth plans both offline and online.

Metro AG, through its technology subsidiary Metro Digital, is rolling out Symphony AI's shelf and assortment planning to more than 8,000 Eastern European locations. It aims to optimise assortments of its Metro and Makro C&C stores as well as owner-operated franchise operations.

Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd are using WhatsApp for digital customer communication. Both discounters send out their leaflets every Sunday via the short message service. Unlike Rewe, they do not yet plan to completely abandon printed flyers.

Colruyt is testing the use of autonomous vehicles for its online business. In a two-month trial, a compact driverless van from Estonian manufacturer Clevon transports customer orders to a Click&Collect pick-up station at the Londerzeel store in Belgium.

Colruyt makes it easier for employees to restock shelves with its new Product Finder app. This communicates with ESLs, which signal the correct shelf position by means of a built-in LED display.

Albert Heijn is constructing an automated logistics hub for grocery home deliveries in Barendrecht near Rotterdam. The new site will use technology from Swisslog and is scheduled to start operations in autumn 2023.