Walmart AR, Hy-Vee Automated Micro-fulfillment, Hanwha, Pudu
Walmart AR, Hy-Vee Automated Micro-fulfillment, Hanwha, Pudu
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Walmart Brings AR to the Makeup Counter
Walmart, in partnership with Perfect Corp., an AI and AR beauty and fashion tech firm, has unveiled a virtual makeup try-on feature in the Walmart iOS app. This AR feature enables customers to digitally try-on makeup products, including blush, lip color, eye shadow, and bronzer, from over 1,400 products in Walmart's beauty range. Brands like CoverGirl, Maybelline, Revlon, and Neutrogena are among those available for virtual testing. Notably, the technology will not retain user data. Walmart's continued investment in AR is evident with its previous acquisitions of Zeekit, a virtual clothing fitting room start-up, and Memomi, an AR optical tech firm. Perfect Corp.’s Face AI, underpinned by advanced AI deep learning, powers the realistic AR makeup filters. Perfect Corp. CEO, Alice Chang, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing the significance of AI and AR in creating personalized shopping experiences in the future.
Hy-Vee Pilots Automated Micro-fulfillment Centers
Midwestern supermarket chain Hy-Vee is collaborating with Takeoff Technologies to establish automated micro-fulfillment centers (MFCs) to cater to the growing demand for online grocery orders. Massachusetts-based Takeoff revealed that the intention is for Hy-Vee to use these MFCs in select urban areas, optimizing order fulfillment for their Aisles Online shopping service. These MFCs will enable quicker and more precise order fulfillment, increased order capacity, and reduced costs. According to Jose Aguerrevere, CEO and co-founder of Takeoff Technologies, this network of MFCs will offer Hy-Vee new competitive advantages and enhance online services for its customers.
Hanwha Robotics & Wave Lifestyle Team Up on Kitchen Bots
South Korea's Hanwha Robotics has partnered with Seoul-based Wave Lifestyle Technologies, a company that incorporates robotics into food technology, to develop a robotic system for kitchen automation. In this collaboration, Hanwha Robotics will oversee robot design, production, control, and safety technologies, while Wave will be in charge of system design and software development. Hanwha Robotics, a spinoff from Hanwha/Momentum, focuses on collaborative robots and factory automation and is primarily owned by Hanwha Corp. with a minority stake held by Hanwha Hotels & Resorts Co. To enhance its collaboration with Hanwha Hotels & Resorts Co., Hanwha Robotics plans to diversify its offerings beyond industrial robots by creating software and service apps tailored to customer interactions. Kim Dong-seon, a strategist at Hanwha Robotics, emphasized that using robots in food technology would positively impact the food and beverage industry, hinting at more collaborative endeavors in the future.
Pudu Robotics Partners with SoftBank
Pudu Robotics has announced a strategic partnership with SoftBank Robotics. The alliance aims to advance the commercial service robotics sector by integrating SoftBank Robotics' proficiency in the Japanese market with Pudu's technological strengths in delivery and cleaning robots. Originating from China, Pudu Robotics has been rapidly expanding its international footprint while solidifying its position in the Chinese market; it has now shipped nearly 70,000 units in 60+ countries. Pudu's cat-like robot, "BellaBot", has earned significant market share in the catering service robot domain, especially in Japan. The collaboration's goal is to further harness the capabilities of robotics, boosting service quality, enhancing customer experiences, and ensuring cost-effectiveness for businesses. "We are excited about our partnership with PUDU Robotics as it allows us to enhance our offering in the field of commercial service robots in Japan. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to delivering advanced robotic technologies, while also helping businesses address workforce challenges and improve overall efficiency," said Fumihide Tomizawa, President & CEO of SoftBank Robotics Group.
In Other News
Delivery robots draw complaints in bot-heavy West Hollywood. How fast food chains rely on EB-5 unskilled worker visas. Online grocery sales fall 3% YoY in September. How Nvidia became a major player in robotics.
