FamilyMart to deploy stocker robots across retail network in Japan

The retailer has partnered with Telexistence to launch its TX SCARA robots in 300 locations alongside its in-store task analysis system.

FamilyMart has announced the mass deployment of stocker robots across 300 stores in Japan starting in late August. This new invention is a result of the brand’s partnership with tech company Telexistence to develop an AI robot capable of handling minor tasks such as restocking refrigerators while easing staff crunch at the same time.

The “TX SCARA” AI robot will be deployed alongside the company’s in-store task analysis system “TX Work Analytics”. Its introduction will create a time surplus without adding employees while also letting the staff focus on customer service and shop floor enhancement, leading to a higher quality work environment and store operations.

TX SCARA was created to do the specific task of restocking refrigerated shelves with bottles and cans, a repetitive, tedious job generally performed by employees in often uncomfortable settings. TX SCARA operates 24/7, replenishing shelves to completely remove the task from the store staff.

On the other hand, the workflow analysis tool TX Work Analytics lets staffers visualise the types of in-store tasks and workload by time of day by wearing the location information transmitter. The tool will enable optimization of work schedules and staff allocation in the environment where the AI robot performs the shelf restocking tasks in the back storage areas.

The implementation of AI robots in FamilyMart stores will allow the brand to take advantage of the newly created time and economic surplus in the store environment. Retailers can focus on further improvements in the store environment for both employees and customers, as well as the profitability of each store.