GRAND RAPIDS–The grocery distributor SpartanNash (Nasdaq: SPTN) announced expansion plans for the use of an autonomous inventory robot named Tally in 15 grocery stores in Michigan and Indiana.
Developed by the San Francisco-based retail technology company Simbe Robotics Inc., Tally represents SpartanNash’s continued investment in technology to enhance the store guest and employee experience.
After a successful pilot in select D&W Fresh Market stores, SpartanNash is implementing Simbe’s solution in additional Family Fare and Martin’s Super Market stores. The real-time data intelligence that Tally provides helps ensure store guests’ favorite items always stay fresh, adequately stocked and priced competitively.
“Tally’s speed, accuracy and automation enable our Associates to save time in inventory tracking and spend more time on the floor serving store guests,” said SpartanNash Executive Vice President Corporate Retail Tom Swanson.
Tally is a quiet, slim robot that unobtrusively traverses store aisles throughout the day, using 3D computer vision technology to collect highly accurate shelf data. It can capture 15,000 to 30,000 products an hour, ensuring products remain in-stock, in the correct location, and accurately priced.
“When we first started working with SpartanNash, we knew this was a partner that recognized the powerful role technology can play in enhancing in-store operations and, as a result, the customer experience,” said Simbe Robotics co-founder and CEO Brad Bogolea. “It’s been so rewarding working together to further deploy our retail solution. We’re excited to continue providing powerful insights for SpartanNash to help improve the shopping experience for store guests and Associates.”
SpartanNash operates a food wholesale business and 145 brick and mortar grocery stores, primarily under the brands Family Fare, Martin’s Super Markets and D&W Fresh Markets, as well as pharmacies and fuel centers, with 17,500 employees. The company also ofers a full suite of support services for independent grocers. More at spartannash.com.