H/t: Gizmodo
Mars Wrigley teamed up with Wakefern Food Corp. to develop an autonomous “Mars Smiley Robot” to deliver products to shoppers at a ShopRite store in Monroe, New York. Not only does it follow customers around, but it plays music and dances while zooming around the store offering treats for sale. It uses self-driving technology to ensure safe operation, complete with sanitation wipes to safeguard shoppers. Read more for a video and additional information.
Smiley won’t be offering random items, but rather showcases a variety of Mars Wrigley products typically found at the checkout to shoppers throughout the store. Plus, the robot’s actions can be modified to optimize engagement, support store promotions and even deploy new behaviors. Yes, it can even be used to alert shoppers about social distancing guidelines, since it can detect the number of people in its vicinity.
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As a treats and snacks category leader, we know that while trips to stores are becoming more focused and retailers are moving to more seamless in-store shopping experiences, shoppers still want to be surprised or indulge in impulse purchases,” said Matt Tice, director of grocery category leadership at Mars Wrigley.
