Strong prospects for robots in retail
ISSN: 0143-991x
Article publication date: 2 May 2019
Issue publication date: 5 August 2019
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to illustrate the rapidly growing use of robots in the retail sector by considering a range of products and applications.
Design/methodology/approach
Following a short introduction, this paper discusses robotic products and deployments in the following applications: inventory management, the provision of customer assistance, cleaning and hazard detection and product delivery. It concludes with a brief discussion.
Findings
Robots are rapidly making inroads in the retail sector. They have been shown to reduce manpower requirements, improve efficiency, reduce costs and speed-up deliveries. As applications grow and the technologies mature, retail is expected to become a major robot user and will offer significant business opportunities.
Originality/value
This study provides a detailed insight into the emerging and rapidly developing retail robotics business.
Keywords
Citation
Bogue, R. (2019), "Strong prospects for robots in retail", Industrial Robot, Vol. 46 No. 3, pp. 326-331. https://doi.org/10.1108/IR-01-2019-0023
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited