SpartanNash Brings Autonomous Inventory Robotics to 15 Stores

Food solutions company SpartanNash is rolling out an autonomous inventory robot at 15 of its banner stores.

Developed by retail technology company Simbe, the robot, named Tally, will be used at grocery stores in Michigan and Indiana to enhance both the guest and employee experience. After a successful pilot in select D&W Fresh Market stores, SpartanNash is implementing Simbe's solution in additional Family Fare and Martin's Super Market stores in the two states.

"SpartanNash is positively influencing our store guest experience through new-to-world technology innovations such as Tally to help us in our mission to deliver the ingredients for a better life," said SpartanNash’s chief strategy and information officer Masiar Tayebi.

Tally is a quiet, slim robot that unobtrusively traverses store aisles throughout the day, using 3D computer vision technology to collect highly accurate shelf data. It can capture 15,000 to 30,000 products an hour, ensuring products remain in-stock, in the correct location and accurately priced.

"When we first started working with SpartanNash, we knew this was a partner that recognized the powerful role technology can play in enhancing in-store operations and, as a result, the customer experience," said Brad Bogolea, CEO and co-founder of Simbe Robotics. "It's been so rewarding working together to further deploy our retail solution. We're excited to continue providing powerful insights for SpartanNash to help improve the shopping experience for store guests and associates." 

SpartanNash operates 145 brick-and-mortar grocery stores, primarily under the banners of Family Fare, Martin's Super Markets and D&W Fresh Market, in addition to serving its wholesale customers that include independent and chain grocers.