Being that the modern shopping experience is becoming more digitized than ever, Japan-based brand Softbank is going the next step with a smartphone store that will be staffed entirely by robots.
Softbank, which owns U.S. telecom brand Sprint, will open the store in March 2016 and work as a new venture for a limited time to help test the brand's robotic innovations. Everything from store managers, to product specialists will be robots, which will enable consumer to purchase new smartphones and plans.
Softbank made waves with the development of the Pepper humanoid robot, so the move toward robotic retail is an interesting way to try the technology out firsthand. With consumers coming to expect digital integration in all aspects of retail, it's likely we'll see more innovations in the near future to set an even higher precedent.
Robotic Retail Stores
A Sprint Smartphone Store in Japan will be Staffed with Pepper Robots
Trend Themes
1. Digitized Shopping - The increasing digitization of the shopping experience creates opportunities for the integration of robots and automation in retail stores.
2. Robotic Staffing - The use of robots as store managers and product specialists in retail opens up opportunities for cost-saving and efficiency improvements.
3. Digital Integration in Retail - Consumers' expectations for digital integration in retail drive innovation in the use of technology, such as humanoid robots, to enhance the shopping experience.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - The retail industry can explore the implementation of robotic staffing to improve operational efficiency and customer experience.
2. Telecom - Telecom companies, like Sprint, can leverage robotic retail stores to test robotic innovations and enhance the accessibility and convenience of purchasing smartphones and plans.
3. Technology - The technology industry can seize the opportunity to develop more advanced robotic solutions for retail, catering to the increasing demand for digital integration.