Walmart Expands Robotic Workforce with Autonomous Electric Forklifts : Tech : Tech Times

In an ambitious move to streamline operations, Walmart has announced the deployment of 19 autonomous electric forklifts across four distribution centers. 

With artificial intelligence (AI) shaping the world into something more modern, the retail giant will explore robotic solutions to enhance efficiency and productivity in its supply chain.

Walmart Leans on Autonomous Forklifts Through Generative AI

As part of a multi-year agreement, Walmart’s introduction of the FoxBot Class 1 electric forklifts highlights that it’s taking robotic technology to the next level. These forklifts, fully autonomous and electric, are designed to handle essential tasks at warehouse loading docks, promising to revolutionize how Walmart manages its extensive inventory.

The decision to deploy these robotic forklifts follows a successful 16-month proof of concept at one of Walmart’s facilities, indicating positive results that spurred this broader rollout, Electrek reports.

The FoxBots are not just a testament to technological advancement but also a critical component of Walmart’s strategy to enhance operational efficiencies and reduce dependency on human labor for repetitive tasks.

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Training for Tomorrow’s Needs

Walmart is currently training its associates to operate the new FoxBots effectively. This training ensures that employees are not only equipped to manage these advanced machines but also prepared for the evolving technological landscape of retail logistics. 

Walmart’s proactive approach to reskilling its workforce highlights its dedication to employee development and technological integration.

“As the leader in autonomous trailer loading and unloading, Fox Robotics is pleased to deepen its relationship with Walmart as a key customer and investor. We see this collaboration as the latest massive validation point of our technology and product capabilities, solidifying our leadership position in the warehouse shipping and receiving dock automation space,” Marin Tchakarov, President and CEO of Fox Robotics said.

Impressive Track Record of Fox Robotics

Since Fox Robotics introduced them to the market in 2021, the FoxBots have autonomously executed over 3 million pallet pulls for various customers across North America. This impressive track record showcases the reliability and effectiveness of these machines in real-world logistics operations.

Looking ahead, Walmart executives are closely monitoring the performance of these autonomous forklifts with an eye toward further expansion. The success of this initial rollout could potentially lead to a broader deployment across more distribution centers, signaling a transformative shift in how retail giants like Walmart manage their logistics and supply chain operations.

Walmart’s Pool of Generative AI Tools

From voice-activated shopping to AI-driven negotiations, Walmart is setting a new standard in retail innovation, according to Forbes.

Voice Shopping and Text-to-Shop Features

Understanding the routine nature of grocery shopping, Walmart has introduced the Walmart Voice Order service. This feature enables customers to reorder their usual items simply by speaking to their connected devices. For instance, saying, “Hey Google, add a dozen eggs to my cart,” seamlessly adds the specified item to their shopping cart, tailored to the customer’s brand preference based on past purchases.

Additionally, the Text to Shop feature offers a text-based option where customers can use their mobile phones to add or remove items, manage their shopping cart, or arrange deliveries and pickups through a simple conversational AI interface.

AI-Powered Shopping Assistant

Walmart’s new AI shopping assistant online tool is designed to assist shoppers in making optimal purchase decisions and planning events without the hassle of multiple searches. Whether customers are planning a child’s birthday party or searching for holiday costumes, this tool recommends products that fit their specific needs, streamlining the shopping process.

In-Store Voice Assistance for Associates

Not only customers, but Walmart associates also benefit from generative AI through the “Ask Sam” voice assistant. This tool supports store employees by providing quick answers to common questions like product locations, price checks, or work schedules, all through simple voice commands.

Automating Supplier Negotiations

In an innovative move, Walmart has employed a generative AI chatbot to conduct negotiations with suppliers. This AI has successfully negotiated contracts with a portion of suppliers, achieving cost savings and extending payment terms with a high approval rate from the suppliers themselves, highlighting the efficiency and effectiveness of automated negotiations.

Enhancing Customer Service with AI

Walmart has also transformed its customer service by employing AI chatbots that provide immediate, accurate responses to customer inquiries. This technology has significantly reduced the volume of direct customer contacts, addressing common questions about returns order statuses and more efficiently. This service is now available in several countries, enhancing Walmart’s global customer support network.

Empowering Employees with Generative AI

Walmart encourages its employees to identify the most beneficial uses for generative AI in their daily tasks. By granting access to the “My Assistant” tool, employees at Walmart’s corporate facilities can explore creative and practical applications of AI to alleviate the burden of repetitive tasks, thus allowing them to concentrate more on improving customer interactions.

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