• Telecomweb, Friday, September 22, 2006 12:15 PM

Motorola, the No. 2 global wireless handset manufacturer, is testing an automated vending format in which consumers are served the item of their choice by a robotic arm. Leveraging small-format robotic stores operated by Zoom Systems, Motorola says the retail option will be will be branded INSTANTMOTO, and will be placed in high-traffic locations for on-demand, instant customer gratification. The vending systems are already live in the San Francisco International Airport and in three Chicago locations, including Macy's on State Street. They could appear in approximately 20 locations nationwide, from airports to malls, by November. The stores will house more than 25 Motorola products, including MotoRazr and Q handsets, Bluetooth-enabled headsets, cordless phones and car chargers. Once payment is received, the items are delivered to the customer via robotic arm. Customers also will be able to choose a service plan, if needed. Motorola says the format is "a way to directly connect with consumers in places and at times where convenience is needed most."

Read the whole story at Telecomweb »