Science & Tech · AI · 2 hrs ago
Inventory robots roam a Seattle Fred Meyer as shoppers weigh retail automation
A robot called Tally is scanning shelves at a Fred Meyer grocery store in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood.
It uses cameras and computer vision to check inventory, prices and product placement.
Kroger began piloting inventory robots in 2024, and Tally robots have been spotted at stores in several Washington communities.
Kroger says the machines help employees find shelves where products are low or unavailable, giving staff more time to serve customers.
Shoppers and workers have raised questions about how automation could affect retail jobs.
Kroger has not said how many local stores use the robots, whether any workers have been displaced, or how it protects shoppers’ privacy.
The robots send information to software that creates task lists for store employees, who can then address the issues.
A Tally inventory robot scans shelves at a Fred Meyer store in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood.
The robot uses cameras, computer vision and AI to check inventory, pricing accuracy and product placement.
Kroger began piloting robotic technology in 2024 to gain real-time insights on product inventory.
Kroger says the technology helps staff identify low or empty shelves and gives them more time to serve customers.
Shoppers and workers raised questions about the effects of retail automation, but Kroger did not provide details on worker displacement or customer privacy.
- Who
- Kroger is piloting Tally robots at Fred Meyer and QFC stores. The robot is made by Simbe Robotics.
- What
- Tally scans shelves to help track inventory, pricing accuracy and product placement.
- When
- Kroger began piloting robotic technology in 2024. A GeekWire visit took place one morning the week before the article was published.
- Where
- A Fred Meyer store in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood, with robots also reported at stores elsewhere in Washington.
- Why
- Kroger says the technology provides real-time inventory insights and helps associates identify products that are low or out of stock.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Tally was introduced to the market.
Kroger began piloting robotic technology to gain real-time insights on product inventory.
GeekWire visited the Greenwood Fred Meyer, where Tally scanned shelves and drew questions from shoppers and workers.
Simbe Robotics surpassed 3,000 autonomous units under contract globally, including 500 robots in Kroger’s nationwide ecosystem.
- Robot
- Tally, made by Simbe Robotics
- Store
- Fred Meyer in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood
- Pilot began
- 2024
- Global units under contract
- More than 3,000
- Kroger footprint
- 500 robots nationwide
What people are saying
It’s kind of wild
At Fred Meyer and QFC, we are always exploring new and innovative ways to create a more convenient and friendly customer experience.
I move through the store politely and carefully so I won’t get in your way
Sources
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