MODESTO, CA - What’s better than a sweet little robot who says “Hello” when you encounter it? I’d say, one that carries your groceries for you. A new robot friend has evolved into the retail space that does both, as The Save Mart Cos. recently announced a partnership with Starship Technologies to launch its new on-demand grocery robot delivery service at its flagship store in Modesto, California.

“We continually seek new ways to serve our communities and offer solutions for efficient, safe, and healthy grocery shopping,” said Robert Cady, Senior Director of Marketing Strategy and Analytics. “Through our partnership with Starship Technologies, Save Mart is pleased once again to lead the way in customer service and innovation.”

Each robot is able to carry up to 20 pounds of groceries, which is the equivalent of about three shopping bags, and can travel up to four miles, according to a press release. The new service allows consumers to order from a directory of thousands of items through the Starship app and have those items delivered directly to their homes via a cute little robot.

The robots use sophisticated machine learning, sensors, and artificial intelligence to travel on sidewalks and navigate other obstacles. Utilizing computer vision-based navigation, the robots can map every route down to the inch, allowing them to cross streets, climb curbs, and even operate through rain and snowstorms without damage.

Save Mart is one of the first grocers to evolve into this space with the announcement of this new partnership. San Francisco-based Starship Technologies currently operates commercially around the world, with its robots having completed over 500,000 successful autonomous deliveries.

How will the development of more useful robot friends continue to alter the retail sector? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.

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