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Robot-Assisted Instore Operations in Grocery Retailing

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Robotics for Intralogistics in Supermarkets and Retail Stores

Part of the book series: Springer Tracts in Advanced Robotics ((STAR,volume 148))

Abstract

The pressure on instore logistics systems of bricks-and-mortar grocery retail stores is bound to increase in future due to rising shopper expectations and less customer traffic in cities caused by online competition. The future management and operations of stores will be a key factor in keeping stores viable. In this chapter, instore logistics systems as part of retail logistics networks are characterized in detail to establish the framework for instore automation approaches. The application of professional service robots for instore logistics from an overall process and end-user perspective is discussed as one approach of many to offer an answer to current challenges of operating bricks-and-mortar stores. Three scenarios are explored and discussed, with different robots applied and different processes supported, i.e., store monitoring, collaborative instore logistics, and autonomous shelf filling. Significant potential is explored by digitally replicating the store, adapting the instore logistics process organization and physically supporting instore operations. Moreover, managerial aspects are discussed such as the profound involvement of store employees in shaping instore operations changes.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. dm-drogerie markt GmbH + Co. KG, Am dm-Platz 1, 76227, Karlsruhe, Germany

    Michael Sternbeck

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  1. Michael Sternbeck
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Correspondence to Michael Sternbeck .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept Electrical Engg & Info Tech, Univ of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy

    Luigi Villani

  2. University of Campania, Aversa, Italy

    Ciro Natale

  3. University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany

    Michael Beetz

  4. University of Naples, Naples, Italy

    Bruno Siciliano

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Sternbeck, M. (2022). Robot-Assisted Instore Operations in Grocery Retailing. In: Villani, L., Natale, C., Beetz, M., Siciliano, B. (eds) Robotics for Intralogistics in Supermarkets and Retail Stores. Springer Tracts in Advanced Robotics, vol 148. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-06078-6_1

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