US grocery store retailer SpartanNash is set to expand the use of Simbe's autonomous inventory robot, Tally, to 60 more company-operated stores throughout the Midwest.  

The move is a part of its ongoing investment in technology aimed at improving the shopping experience for customers and streamlining tasks for associates. 

The implementation of Simbe's Store Intelligence platform through Tally robots will provide real-time inventory insights.  

Using computer vision, the technology can identify exact product locations, out-of-stock items, and pricing and promotion information with 99% accuracy. 

Tally will optimise product stocking, ordering, merchandising and e-commerce fulfilment across all store areas. 

The precision of data gathered by Tally enables associates to ensure product availability with accurate location and pricing information.  

This also allows them to dedicate more time to customer-facing activities, enhancing the overall customer experience. 

The decision to expand Tally’s presence follows a successful pilot in 15 stores.  

SpartanNash corporate retail executive vice-president Tom Swanson said: “We first piloted Tally in 15 stores, and the success of that launch motivated us to expand Tally across more locations to help associates save time in inventory tracking and spend more time on the floor serving our store guests.  

“The real-time data intelligence Tally provides helps ensure our store guests’ favourite items always stay fresh [and] are adequately stocked and priced competitively, helping us deliver the ingredients for a better life.” 

The expansion of Tally robots complements the company’s other technological investments such as Upshop Magic and Flashfood. ’ 

SpartanNash, which operates 144 grocery stores under banners including Family Fare, Martin’s Super Markets and D&W Fresh Market, continues to invest in customer-focused innovations.