FEATURE
‘ Never turn-key ’:
How The Iconic and Officeworks are using robots
More and more retailers are adopting AMRs , and the technology is continuing to advance . What does this mean for the industry ?
By Aron Lewin
R etailers are constantly on the lookout for cutting-edge technologies that improve efficiencies and productivity , streamline operations and improve the customer experience .
One such advancement is the development of Autonomous Mobile Robots ( AMRs ), which a range of companies have implemented for purposes ranging from inventory management and order fulfilment , to delivery and customer service .
But , as with the adoption of any new technology , the use of AMRs is not without potential limitations and risks .
Business futurist , speaker and author Gihan Perera has predicted that AMRs will become faster , more reliable and more sophisticated over time . He believes retailers can leverage AMRs in a number of ways , such as to cut costs and reduce workplace injuries .
Perera added that AMRs can be ‘ smarter ’ than humans in some situations , because they have access to more data , so they can provide a superior experience . But he also said there might be concerns about how AMRs get integrated into society , and that they come with potential risks such as the replacement of staff , undermining of customer privacy , and liability concerns . “ AMRs will cost [ and ] create jobs – the catch is they aren ’ t the same jobs ,” he said . “[ For example ], AMRs will create new jobs in design , development , data privacy , security and hardware maintenance – but these aren ’ t necessarily the jobs that a frontline ►
May 2023 www . insideretail . com . au | 53