JACKSON, Wyo. — Is this Jackson, or Silicon Valley?
Smith’s shoppers might have encountered a new team member roving the aisles recently. A robot programmed to monitor store inventory landed in the Jackson store in the second week of August, according to Smith’s Division Head of Communications and Public Affairs Tina Murray.
“At Smith’s, we’re always exploring new and innovative ways to create a more convenient and friendly customer experience,” Murray told Buckrail via email. “Last year, [Smith’s parent company] Kroger began using robotic technology to gain real-time insights on product inventory. This technology means our associates can more easily and quickly identify and address shelves where products are low or out of stock. It also provides our teams more time to do what they do best – serve our customers.”
The 79-inch-tall, 91-pound wheeled machine is a product of Simbe Robotics; per the company, the robot uses cameras, depth sensors, and AI image recognition to detect low stock, errors in pricing and misplaced merchandise.
“Enhanced 3D depth and 360° fisheye cameras extend visibility into areas such as upper steel, bunkers, and recessed shelves — zones that would otherwise be challenging to monitor,” Simbe’s website states.
On its website, Simbe argues, “People are more likely to shop at retailers with in-store robots.”
According to an NBC affiliate in Ohio, Kroger rolled out Tally machines in its stores beginning in a 2024 pilot program.
Have you made eye contact with Tally’s animated peepers? Let us know what you think! Send reactions to tips@buckrail.com.
