While most mobile service robots are designed for a single application each, the idea of multifunction systems is moving forward. Last week, Brain Corp. said it has partnered with Tennant Co. to launch Inventory Scan, a new data capture accessory that can be fitted to autonomous floor scrubbers to scan in-store inventory and report key details.
“By adding Inventory Scan to new or existing robotic scrubber fleets, retailers are immediately able to access critical in-store inventory data in near real-time,” said Dave Ross, vice president of business development at Brain Corp. “Knowing where an item is, if it’s in stock, if it’s in the correct location, if the price is accurate, and more allows managers to operate stores with a new level of efficiency while providing optimal shopping experiences for their customers.”
San Diego-based Brain Corp has developed artificial intelligence and software that it claimed powers the world’s largest fleet of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) operating in indoor public spaces. Global manufacturing partners use the company's BrainOS platform and its cloud-connected autonomy service to build, deploy, and support commercial robots at scale across industries and applications.
Tennant floor scrubbers add data collection
Brain Corp said the multi-purpose design is the first of its kind. The new inventory scanning accessory is fitted to Tennant's floor scrubbers, which use BrainOS.
The cloud-connected Inventory Scan tower can capture data as the Tennant cleaning system moves autonomously around a store. The system delivers reports to store managers providing information for numerous insights. They include verification of pricing accuracy, planogram compliance, product stock levels, and product localization.
Each function negates the need for time-consuming and potentially inaccurate manual processes, which often lead to lost revenue opportunities, waste caused by overordering, and not enough attention given to shoppers, said the partners.
“This new product marks the beginning of realizing the next phase in our company’s vision,” said Dr. Eugene Izhikevich, CEO of Brain Corp. “We are actively taking BrainOS-powered robots from primarily task-oriented machines to in-store data-acquisition platforms. This delivers critical insights and adds significant ROI [return on investment] for retailers.”
Systems using Brain Corp's operating system are available through a robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) model.
Brain Corp to show Inventory Scan at NRF
Brain Corp said the Inventory Scan technology will debut at the National Retail Federation's NRF 2022 event, dubbed “Retail's Big Show.” The company will feature Inventory Scan at its booth, No. 6037, from Jan. 16 to 18 at the Javits Center in New York.
Also at the show, Josh Baylin, vice president of product and marketing at Brain Corp, will participate in a “Big Ideas” keynote. He will join Anthony Hucker, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, and Chris Volan, senior manager of strategic accounts and robotics business development at Tennant. They will discuss the grocery company's robotic automation journey.
“From Data to Insight to Decisions: Robots Propel a Better Customer Experience” will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 18, starting at 2:45 p.m. ET, Expo Level 1, Expo Stage 1.
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