News

Mars Wrigley robotic kiosk to serve shoppers in store

Image courtesy of Mars Wrigley.

February 19, 2021

Mars Wrigley and Wakefern Food Corp., a retailer-owned cooperative, are teaming up with Savioke, a robotics provider, to introduce a robotic kiosk to deliver products to shoppers at a ShopRite store in Monroe, New York, according to a press release.

The robot, "Smiley," plays music and dances as it makes its rounds through the store offering Mars Wrigley treats for sale. Smiley uses self-driving technology to ensure safe operation and includes sanitation wipes to safeguard shoppers.

The pilot was enabled by Mars Wrigley's Launchpad program, a digital innovation program established in 2017, which has delivered 60 pilots with over 300 startups.

"As a treats and snacks category leader, we know that while trips to stores are becoming more focused and retailers are moving to more seamless in-store shopping experiences, shoppers still want to be surprised or indulge in impulse purchases," Matt Tice, director of grocery category leadership at Mars Wrigley, said in the release.

"We are excited to welcome Smiley to the ShopRite in Monroe," said Karen Meleta, chief communications officer for Wakefern, in the release. "This technology, which we are testing at the store, provides another way to help customers shop — and it's fun."

Smiley will display a variety of Mars Wrigley products typically found at the checkout to shoppers throughout the store. In addition, the Smiley's actions can be modified to optimize engagement, support store promotions and deploy new behaviors.

Smiley can also detect the number of people in its vicinity and display social distancing messages.