PAL Robotics

Barcelona, 
Spain
http://pal-robotics.com/

• Booth: 238

StockBot: the autonomous robot for inventory-tracking & data collection

Have your stock located and gather in-store intelligence

Using RFID or cameras, StockBot accurately locates each product in store as frequently as you want. This is key to outstanding store management; improving your restocking system, developing money-mapping strategies and for taking better data-driven decisions. StockBot generates data that meets your needs and seamlessly integrates with your systems.

Start working without any store modifications – a single initial set-up is all that StockBot needs and the robot adapts to different sized spaces automatically. Stockbot navigates safely in changing spaces and with people around, even if the shop is open. Collect data at any time with StockBot.

Keep it on track

PAL Robotics' mission is to enhance people’s quality of life through service robotics and automation technologies. Since 2004, we have designed and manufactured highly integrated and reliable solutions for service industries and research institutions. We have solutions that are used worldwide for industry, logistics, service and retail.

 Press Releases

• Decathlon chooses PAL Robotics’ StockBot to deploy across stores worldwide (Aug 16, 2022)

  In the world of retail automation, it is clear that many store managers are still lacking the tools to provide the best possible service and experience to their customers. In addition, management is not always aware of the complete picture in order to be able to implement changes and improvements to in-store operations. These are just some of the reasons that are contributing to the rise in popularity of retail robots. One major retailer, that is aware of the benefits and potential of our retail robot for their stores and customers is Decathlon. Decathlon is a multinational sports retailer with 1,714 stores in 61 countries.

  Decathlon and PAL Robotics have launched a global partnership after PAL Robotics’ StockBot inventory tracking and data collection solution was selected as one of the retail robot solutions to deploy across stores worldwide, assisting the team and elevating in-store experience. The retailer has implemented the solution in order to improve in-store operations and efficiencies so that teammates are able to dedicate more time helping customers for a better customer experience, as well as helping improve product availability rates. The trial that originally took place in Decathlon Singapore, has now followed on to widespread rollout of StockBot solutions across multiple stores worldwide. 

  

  Where is the solution being used and what will it do?

  PAL Robotics’ StockBot solution was first implemented in Decathlon Singapore, which was more recently followed by implementations in other countries around the world, such as France, The Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Ireland, Italy, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Australia. Discussions are also ongoing on further deployment opportunities in other countries. 

  StockBot reads and detects all the products in-store and then validates the data. Using this type of technology helps gain a better visibility of stock, and of course, automate inventory tracking and workflow. StockBot provides data on stock and business and is easily integrated with RFID tags in-store. With StockBot once set up, pressing one button means the robot is able to do inventories automatically, in order to save time. 

  Decathlon was looking for a solution to be able to provide accurate data on stock, as well as save time taken to do stock taking manually, impacting on in-store efficiency and productivity. StockBot is easily deployed within different stores as it does not require any layout modifications and is seamlessly integrated with the existing software systems.

  Decathlon Singapore’s experiences using StockBot

  Decathlon Singapore originally implemented StockBot in their store in 2019. Mathieu Blanchard, Technical Director of Decathlon Decathlon South East Asia said, “for any retailer, ensuring that customers are visiting your store and will find the products they are looking for is crucial.”

  Janice Morin, Sports Leader for Trail Running in Decathlon Singapore explained, “before we had StockBot stock-taking work was very laborious, it was very manual and we allocated a lot of time to do our inventory. Now it takes us two hours to finish all the inventory and then we allocate our time to do other things like helping customers.” 

  Dr. Jordi Pagès, Head of Retail & Intralogistics Solutions at PAL Robotics said, “at PAL Robotics we are delighted to be working with Decathlon, a long-established global retailer, to help them improve their inventory tracking and operations, so they can focus more on customer experience. Our StockBot solution has been used in apparel, supermarkets, and distribution centers around the world, from Europe and Asia, to Oceania. For us, it’s very important to work together with retailers to help them develop and update their processes, so they can then focus on other benefits.”

  

  Decathlon the multinational sports retailer

  Decathlon is a family-owned company, founded in 1976, and inspired by the belief that the best sports products should be accessible to everyone. Ever-evolving and high-performance design, the best quality at the lowest possible price, and expert advice that customers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels can access in-store or online, from anywhere, at any time, is what makes them who they are. Visit the Decathlon website to learn more about the multinational sports retailer.

  For a number of years, PAL Robotics has been helping leading retailers automate their processes, strengthen their relations with customers, and stay ahead in the retail sector with service robots.  PAL Robotics’ StockBot robot automates daily inventory tracking and provides data to inform decisions. The platform provides accurate stock information to smartly manage stores, while seamlessly integrating with retailer’s systems. PAL Robotics’ StockBot solution is the most mature in the inventory tracking solutions market and is ready to use with a single setup.  

  If you would like to learn more about PAL Robotics and our progress, make sure you visit the blog on our research and our website to read more. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team to ask more about how to use StockBot, and our retail robot’s capabilities for improving operations in your store. 

• StockBot RFID robot for inventory tracking in your warehouse (Aug 16, 2022)

  In the retail industry, accurate inventory tracking and data collection are crucial to a company’s profits and ultimately success. As well as the need to improve inventory tracking on the shop floor, a question that arises regarding this topic is: “How can inventory management be improved in a warehouse?”

  RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology is becoming more popular for those looking for innovative ways to improve their warehouse inventory management. For example, many companies are using RFID in order to scan items that are inside boxes, for improved stock location and tracking, and to ensure the correct items are sent to customers.

  RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a radio wave-based inventory tracking technology. RFID tags differ from barcodes because individual RFID tags communicate with reader devices even when they are not in a direct line of sight.

  In a warehouse, an RFID robot is able to navigate around the warehouse by scanning RFID tags. These RFID tags, which have previously been placed on items, are tracked by antennas located on the side of the RFID robot, which can detect multiple tags at the same time. A radio frequency identification reader (RFID reader) processes information the antennas have scanned from the RFID tags.

  There are two types of RFID tags, active and passive. Active RFID technology has a local power source enabling it to work hundreds of metres away from a reader. Passive RFID, on the other hand, is based on the radio emissions of a reader device, giving passive tags a shorter read range, but a lower cost per unit.

  RFID technology is easy to set up, you simply install the required number of tags and start gathering data.

  Some applications of RFID in warehouses include:

  • Stock management – including being able to check stock levels throughout the warehouse and communicating this information
  • Product traceability – effective assessment from the production stage to the logistics expedition
  • Inbound and outbound handling – using RFID to track stock that arrives in and leaves the warehouse
  • Pick and Pack – A robot equipped with RFID readers and antennas makes it easy to find items thanks to the localization data provided by its autonomous navigation capabilities” for pick and pack operations.

  Advantages of RFID technology in warehouses, including accurate stock information

  One of the most significant advantages of this technology is the ability to assign a unique number for a specific range of items, this can be useful if your warehouse receives and stores goods from multiple suppliers simultaneously.

  In terms of space optimisation, RFID technology allows you to have an insight into where items are located and how much stock is available, in order to avoid overstocking and understocking, due to potential product losses. As well as a more accurate perspective of the stock situation, RFID allows you to track average delivery times, and track inventory exit and entrance in real time, which will help ensure that the item is sent out correctly and reduce the number of returns.

  RFID technology helps to reduce human errors which can have a significant impact on warehouse management. All of this also helps to free up staff to work on higher-value tasks, such as optimizing management of the warehouse and providing a better customer experience.

  StockBot, PAL Robotics’ inventory tracking and data collection solution

  StockBot is PAL Robotics’ Inventory tracking and data collection retail solution. The platform provides accurate stock information to smartly manage stores and warehouses, such as a 3D map with the product’s location and access to applications such as out-of-stock situations, misplacements detection, and price tag checking, while seamlessly integrating with retailer’s systems.

  StockBot offers the following main benefits in inventory tracking:

  • Time: The solution is faster than a manual inventory
  • Cost and repeatability: Staff don’t need to be deployed to do inventories and more frequent inventories are performed
  • Quality and accuracy: quality control of areas where automated inventory is taken, eliminating errors, as human performance depends on external factors that sometimes can’t be predicted or controlled.

  The retail robot is ready to use with a single setup and without changing the layout of the store or warehouse. In addition, the inventory-tracking robot adapts to work across large stores and warehouses as well as in the smallest spaces.

  StockBot has two versions, each providing different data: StockBot RFID, which displays the tag IDs (EPCs) and location of these tags and StockBot Vision, which displays pictures along with the location of each picture.

  An example of successful deployment of RFID robotics technology through the inventory tracking and data collection solution by PAL Robotics, StockBot RFID is at world-leading sports retailer Decathlon.

  If you have any other doubt about our stock-management robot StockBot, take a look at our FAQs in the StockBot section.

  If you would like to learn more about our retail robot StockBot, take a look at our blog about robotics and technology to read more. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of experts to ask more about StockBot’s capabilities for improving operations in your store or warehouse, or to book a demo.

• How to get started using StockBot to improve inventory tracking and money mapping in retail (Aug 16, 2022)

  Seamless data capture and inventory tracking in today’s retail sector is essential to ensure efficient store operations, successful money-mapping strategies, and above all, can help to contribute to improved customer experience and increased revenue.

  Gaining a better understanding of the most profitable locations in-store means maximum benefits can be drawn from those locations. Rather than guessing which stock may sell best in which location, money mapping displays all the data from sales in-store to be able to sell more of what customers want and have it most suitably placed.

  Use of robotic automation in retail with technologies that perform tasks such as inventory tracking and data collection to improve operations, money mapping, and customer experience is growing rapidly, showing their potential to bring some of the improvements needed in the industry. 

  At PAL Robotics, for a number of years, we have been helping some of the biggest retailers automate their processes, strengthen their relations with customers, and stay ahead in the retail sector with our StockBot automated inventory tracking and data collection solution. 

  Getting started with StockBot for inventory tracking and data collection in your store is straightforward. As a first step, our retail robot makes a map of the store. During the installation these are the first steps to consider:

  1. The installer will set up StockBot for you using the remote control that comes with the robot so that the autonomous mobile robot (AMR) moves around to get to know the store or warehouse. 
  2. The remote control can be used to show the stock-taking robot the inventory path to take, or the robot can generate paths itself through furniture detection.
  3. You can divide your store into as many areas as you like: for example, separating the store by product categories.  
  4. This map can be combined with data from the point of sale to create a money map, including the top sellers in the store as well as their locations. 
  5. Using an inventory tracking solution daily can make it easier to understand which products sell most in which locations. 

  When looking at StockBot data it’s helpful to consider sales concerning both placement and pricing. For example, is the placement of the product optimal, or is it hidden by other products, and is the pricing appropriate to be placed at the point of sale? It’s also possible through StockBot to see how different combinations of products in-store displays affect sales. 

  The dates on money maps will help to make results more meaningful in terms of seasonal products and seasonal promotions, and changes to store layouts. Observing money maps over time will also help to determine whether it’s the products or the locations that are having the strongest impact on sales. 

  Being able to track where more sales are generated makes it much easier to repeat success, as well as making it possible to re-use successful displays and record other items or displays that worked less well.

  The benefits of money mapping include:

  • Being able to improve store layout
  • Providing customer experience insights
  • Helping increase sales and revenue

  Our retail robot generates data that can be manipulated for numerous applications and to suit the needs of each store thanks to inventory tracking

  StockBot provides different types of data to suit the needs of each store. There are two different types of our retail robot: 

  • StockBot Vision: pictures along with the location of each picture are provided. StockBot Vision offers the use of vision cameras to enable image recognition of items of stock. 
  • StockBot RFID: the tag IDs (EPCs) and location of these tags are provided: StockBot RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) uses radio waves to track tags attached to stock items. Inside these tags is electronically stored information that is counted or ‘read’ by an RFID reader. 

  Our autonomous mobile robot also generates data that can be manipulated for numerous applications such as store floor management, supply chain visibility, process automation & accuracy, omnichannel retailing, promotional activities, returns, locating items, loss prevention, and cross-selling. Those have a direct impact on store/brand reputation, customer satisfaction, and thus on sales; providing essential information that allows you to further improve your overall performance and daily operations. 

  Our inventory tracking robot adapts to work across large stores as well as in the smallest spaces. Our certified autonomous mobile robot is the most mature in the inventory tracking solutions market and in recent years StockBot has been used in supermarkets, apparel, sports retailers, warehouses, and distribution centers around the world, from Europe and Asia to the US. 

  You can have your retail robot solution set up and working in less than a day with a single setup. Staff don’t need specialised training to operate our RFID robot: after the installation which includes setting up the initial store map, StockBot is ready to work autonomously, even around customers in-store. 

  StockBot is used in Decathlon Singapore where the solution provides data on stock and business, as well as most importantly, helping ensure customers find the products they are looking for. See StockBot in action at Decathlon here:

  If you would like to learn more about our retail robot make sure you visit our website to read more. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team to ask more about how to use StockBot, and StockBot’s capabilities for improving operations in your store. Visit our blog to keep updated on our robots and robotics trends!

• Spotlight on StockBot: whitepaper on RIFD robots for your store (Aug 16, 2022)

  Different versions of our StockBot solutions are available to retailers – StockBot RFID: which works with tag IDs (EPCs) and their location, StockBot VISION: which uses pictures with their location, and StockBot COMBO: which is a combination of both types of data.

  Here we will focus on how RFID robots work, and in particular our StockBot RFID solution.

  RFID robots for your store

  RFID technology is bringing huge improvements in automating the tracking of merchandise throughout the whole retail supply chain. The cost of RFID technology has fallen significantly in recent years, making it more accessible to retailers. An increase in demand for RFID equipment challenges the role of handheld inventory readers. RFID robots go a step further by enabling stores to programme regular automated inventory tracking and data collection, bringing numerous benefits.

  How RFID robots work

  RFID robots work by circulating close to products with RFID tags in order to scan them, providing product information that’s available for viewing through the robot. They typically include features such as autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance, autonomous docking and charging, and the ability to schedule inventories as regularly as desired by the customer.

  • Tags: Tags are placed on all items in the store that are for sale. The tag stores information that is tracked by antennas in the RFID robot.
  • Antennae: RFID antennas are typically located on the sides of the RFID robot and have beams to detect tags. The antennas can often detect several tags at the same time.
  • Readers: A radio frequency identification reader (RFID reader) processes information the antennas have scanned from the RFID tags. The reader filters out unnecessary information, such as scanned information that has been duplicated.

  The RFID reader emits radio waves through different antennas so that the signals are bounced back by the tags and received by the same antennas. The approximate location of each tag with respect to the robot is then calculated by the reader by measuring the distances estimated from each antenna reception time. As the robot moves, it collects data and information from each tag. The RFID robot is able to locate itself inside the store or warehouse continuously. RFID solutions are able to plan paths from start point to endpoint, finding the optimal routes.

  RFID Navigation

  To navigate, the robot uses RFID tasks as landmarks to help with path planning and initial map creation. The robot is able to automatically move along a path until a tag is found. The robot then refers to the map for where to go next. With RFID a robot’s pose is calculated by information from the RFID tags. Mobile robot navigation systems can typically be split into three types: Inertial systems (positioning relative to a known starting point), Absolute systems (using beacons, landmarks or satellite-based signals), and Hybrid or fusion systems (use of more than one navigation system). 

  Benefits of RFID robots

  Being able to track stock regularly helps to avoid errors in inventory management, and makes it easier to understand what’s in stock and then only order the right amount to meet customer demand. This also helps to ensure that products are not oversold, as well as helping to reduce overstocking. Some of the other benefits include:

  • Sales Trends Identification

  Programming regularly inventories also helps to identify sales trends, including data such as volumes of products sold.

  • Staff on higher-value tasks

  Doing inventories using an RFID robot helps to free up staff to work on higher-value tasks and to have more time to spend with customers.

  • Technology cost reduction

  As the robot is able to move around the area – to have RFID technology in the area instead would incur higher costs per square meter.

  • Improved customer experience

  Tracking stock ensures customers find the products they are looking for at the right time, improving customer satisfaction.

  RFID in retail is a sector that’s growing fast in popularity and there are many predictions for its future. In some ways, the RFID revolution in retail is still in its infancy. As well as retail, RFID technology is also used in sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare. To read more about RFID robotics, download our latest whitepaper. 

  An example of successful deployment of RFID robotics technology through the inventory tracking and data collection solution by PAL Robotics, StockBot RFID is at world-leading sports retailer Decathlon. Read more about our collaboration with Decathlon.

  Recently we interviewed Sébastien Teneveau, RFID Robot Product Owner at Decathlon, and Jordi Pagès, Head of Intralogistics at PAL Robotics to find out more about how StockBot operates in Decathlon stores. See more in our video:

  PAL Robotics’ retail robot StockBot

  Our StockBot robot automates daily inventory tracking and provides data to inform decisions in stores and warehouses. Data includes access to applications such as out-of-stock situations and misplacements detection, planogram, and price tag checking. 

  StockBot is the most mature solution in the inventory tracking solutions market and our team is working with some of the biggest retailer brands in order to ensure the solution keeps improving to be able to meet industry demands. The robot is ready to use with a single setup and without changing the layout of the store or warehouse.

  If you would like to learn more about our retail robot StockBot, take a look at our blog on research and robotics to read more. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of experts to ask more about StockBot’s capabilities for improving operations in your store, or to book a demo for your store. 

 Products