Amazon dominates list of ‘disruptive’ grocery innovations

A Dec. 14 article posted on RetailDive.com states that the following 10 innovations could disrupt grocery retailing in 2017, half of which Amazon is spearheading or directly influencing:

1. Smart refrigerator technology. Samsung’s Family Hub refrigerator has monitoring sensors, cameras and a large LCD touchscreen display, enabling consumers to remotely view the contents and easily order replenishments online through retail partners FreshDirect, MyWebGrocer and ShopRite.

2. Amazon’s AI-enabled online ordering. Amazon’s Echo and Dot artificial intelligence technologies allow voice-activated ordering of items online for direct delivery to the consumer’s doorstep.

3. Amazon Dash consumer goods ordering service. Amazon Dash buttons for various household brands enable consumers to order commonly used items from Amazon with the push of a button.

4. Click-and-collect and curbside pickup. In response to Amazon’s encroachment on grocery retailing, a number of supermarket chains are offering more convenient ways to unite consumers with online-ordered groceries.

5. Self-driving grocery delivery vehicles. London-based Starship Technologies is testing a self-driving robotic delivery vehicle (see photo above) that travels along sidewalks and can carry the equivalent of two grocery bags.

6. Growth of mobile pay. Mobile payment technology, which allows consumers to pay for retail goods with smart phone apps, is expected to gain momentum in the coming year.

7. Checkout-free shopping. As is already taking place at Amazon Go in Seattle, smart phone apps will allow consumers to self-scan items in a store and pay for them without having to wait in line.

8. Food grown on premises. Target is testing technologies that could allow its stores to grow fresh salad greens, tomatoes and herbs on-site.

9. Better inventory tracking. The Internet of things (IoT), including intelligent shipping containers and the use of drone technology in warehouses, will help retailers better manage their inventory and logistics.

10. Controlling delivery networks. By purchasing or leasing truck fleets and airplanes, Amazon is attempting to control its truck deliveries and air cargo to achieve economies of scale.

To read the RetailDive article, visit http://www.retaildive.com/news/10-innovations-that-could-disrupt-grocery-in-2017/432309/.