Woolworths to roll out mini robots to process online shopping orders

Woolworths is installing miniature “robots” in some stores that it says will enhance customers’ shopping experience.

Woolworths is installing miniature automated packing centres at the back of supermarkets to process online shopping orders.

The supermarket giant has signed with a US-based company called Taekoff Technologies to build the automated centres at three of its stores.

This means robots will pick and pack groceries for online orders rather than staff.

A worker packs groceries at a Takeoff Technologies automated fulfilment centre.

Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci said it would be particularly useful in meeting growing demand for same-day delivery of online orders.

“At Woolworths, we are continuing to look for ways to enhance our customers’ online experience, especially the speed at which we make orders available to them,” he said.

“This partnership with Takeoff will allow us to deliver ultra convenience at a local level, with the ability to be even closer to the customer for that last mile delivery.

“We see the future of online delivery as a mix of our large scale fulfilment centres in major metropolitan areas and a localised approach that leverages the strength of our national store network.

“We’re excited to see how this partnership develops, helping us accelerate our customer offering with faster order picking, while also enhancing the overall shopping experience.”

It is expected that three trial sites will be up and running within the next year.

Woolworths boss Brad Banducci said the new ‘robots’ would be particularly useful in meeting growing demand for same-day delivery of online orders.

Woolworths and Coles are both investing heavily in automation as a way to lower costs and make shopping more convenient.

Both supermarket giants already use so-called dark stores — warehouses that are closed to the public, where staff pack online delivery orders.

Earlier this year, Woolworths announced it would expand its rollout of drive-through shopping — a stay-in-your-car service for groceries that allows customers to order and pay for their products online without battling for a car park.