Robots Check the Shelves at Walmart, Intel Invests US$17,500,000

Bossa Nova Robotics Inc. is sending its shelf-scanning robots out to 50 Walmart stores in a real-world use of technology to help one of the planet’s largest retailers keep its aisles stocked and ready for customers.

Perhaps that's why Intel and others are supplying new capital to this innovator in robotics.

Late last month, Walmart confirmed the relationship with Bossa Nova and stated it would provide their employees with near real-time data about what is on the shelf, what is not and what has pricing errors. Walmart does not expect it will reduce the head count of its retail stores, but does expect it will eliminate the number of times a client can't find a product or find it at the advertised price. 

There may be other advantages for logistics and inventory management as well as for Walmart's new Ecommerce services.