• by Chuck Martin , August 6, 2018

Walmart plans to launch a pilot using first-of-its-kind automation technology to fulfill customer online grocery orders faster.

The retailer has partnered with startup Alert Innovation using Alphabot, a system comprising high-speed automation to deliver items to associates who pick, assemble and deliver orders in Walmart’s online grocery pickup service.

The Alphabot system, developed for Walmart, is being installed at the supercenter in Salem, New Hampshire, as part of the store’s grand reopening.

“With the aid of Alphabot, our associates will have more time to focus on service and selling, the two things they often tell us are the most enjoyable part of the job, while the technology handles the more mundane, repeatable tasks,” stated Mark Ibbotson, executive vice president of central operations, Walmart U.S., in a blog post announcing the pilot. “Although this is a small pilot, we expect big things from it. We have a lot to learn about this new technology, and we’re excited about the possibilities of how we can use it to make the future of shopping, and working, even better.”

A 20,000 square foot extension connected to the superstore houses the new system. Automated mobile carts will retrieve ordered items and deliver them to associates at one of four pick stations. Personal shoppers will still handpick produce and other fresh items, according to Walmart.