News

Save Mart automates online order picking with Fulfil

US grocery company Save Mart has converted a closed store of its Lucky banner operation into a fully automated micro fulfilment centre (MFC) with robots from start-up Fulfil Solutions. A fleet of robots picks orders placed via the new online service Lucky Now.

Delivery is handled by the on-demand delivery service DoorDash. The Save Mart Companies operates around 200 stores in California and Western Nevada under the Save Mart, Lucky California and FoodMaxx brands.

Advertisement

Immediately after receipt, the robots collect the items of the respective order from the shelves. The assortment ranges from ambient to refrigerated and frozen food. Once picking is complete, the robots automatically move to the waiting area where DoorDash drivers receive the delivery.

Fulfil combines sensor technologies with AI

In addition to automated picking, the system monitors stock levels and expiry dates. Fulfil’s overarching platform uses artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and computer vision technology for the complex processes, in addition to sensor technologies for automated inventory management and quality control. The start-up company has developed sensor fusion algorithms to ensure that items are packaged correctly and damage and waste are reduced. In addition, the startup says this can minimise packing time.

“Fulfil robots are designed to help grocers reduce the cost of their e-commerce operations. They also offer benefits such as eliminating food waste,” says Mir Aamir, CEO and president of the venture capital-funded company.

Save Mart has been working with Fulfil since June last year.. In another trial, Save Mart had tested delivery robots from Starship but endend the pilot in June 2022. From September 2020, Starship’s sidewalk-roaming bots handling the delivery of orders from Save Mart’s flagship store in Modesto, California. Later, the companies announced they had expanded delivery by the robotic vehicles to a Lucky California supermarket in Pleasanton, California.

Show More

Stefan Dudzinski-Lange

Stefan Dudzinski-Lange has worked for over 20 years as a journalist, editor and PR consultant in subjects such as information and communication technology or OTC products. For Zentrum für Foren in der grafischen Datenverarbeitung e.V. (Centre for Forums in Graphic Data Processing) and Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research (IGD), he initiates and organises events and networking platforms on topics such as Ambient Assisted Living, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or on data harmonisation. At Fraunhofer IGD, Stefan Dudzinski-Lange worked in technology marketing helping to transfer research results and prototypes into marketable business applications. The graduate economist moderated numerous events such as the Fraunhofer CeBit Forum and led communication seminars.

Related Articles

Back to top button