EYE on RETAIL: Forklift innovation
Walmart is rolling out autonomous forklifts across four high-tech distribution centers.
After a 16-month proof of concept at the original high-tech Walmart distribution center in Brooksville, Fla., the discount giant is rolling out the self-driving forklifts developed by Fox Robotics, with the potential for further deployment as it evaluates the benefits to its distribution center associates and operations.
Walmart says it has found FoxBot autonomous forklifts to be the “perfect complement” to the automated storage and retrieval system within its high-tech distribution facilities.
Trucks arrive at a Walmart distribution center for unloading, and using AI-powered machine vision and dynamic planning, the forklifts safely and accurately unload pallets and ferry them to be inducted into the automated storage and retrieval system, which catalogues and stores Walmart’s goods.
Instead of unloading the pallets manually, associates become conductors – considering the best, most efficient way to unload trailers based on their own experience.
"Our new autonomous forklift program with Fox Robotics is proof positive that when you empower associates, embrace innovation and welcome new opportunities, you’ll see growth for the business and its people," Shayne Wahlmeier, VP of innovation & automation, Walmart, said in a corporate blog post.
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This article appeared first in Chain Store Age, sister publication of HBSDealer.