Posted on 12/03/2018 2:03:04 PM PST by Drew68
Walmart announced on Monday that it plans to deploy 360 autonomous custodial robots by the end of January that will mop the floors of some of its stores.
The retailer said in a joint statement with developer Brain Corp. that the machines will be able to scrub floors even with customers around. The robots will feature multiple sensors that allow them to scan for people and obstacles.
"BrainOS technology allows robots to effectively and safely function in complex, crowded environments, ensuring increased productivity and efficiency across applications," Brain Corp. CEO Eugene Izhikevich said in a statement. "We look forward to continuing to work alongside Walmart to help build intelligent, connected stores."
Bloomberg first reported on the announcement. The devices resemble a miniature Zamboni, the machine used to resurface ice at ice-skating rinks, and a motorized wheelchair, the news outlet said, and are already in use at airports in Seattle, Boston and Miami.
Bloomberg reported that Walmart has previously dipped into the robot market by using automated devices to scan shelves, move products and check inventory.
They'd better hope so.
Then again, the shopping experience at most Walmarts would be improved if the robots started attacking people.
I foresee all kinds of shenanigans. Heck, I would be surprised if people did not try to steal the RoboJanitors.
what could go wrong..........
Buddy of mine does Loss Prevention at WM. From the stories he tells, I'd give the RoboJanitors less than a week.
Often, buddy says, "Let me tell you what the 'customers' did THIS week". Never ceases to amaze. If these thieves worked as hard at a job as they do at stealing, they'd be far wealthier.
Not sure that I'd want to risk jailtime over $20 worth (blackmarket) of laundry detergent. But for many, it's a lifestyle choice.
I believe you might be correct.
I'm sure Walmart will be making very careful assessments about exactly which stores to roll these out in.
So if all unskilled, and parts of skilled labor are going to be replaced by automation, why do we need immigrants again?
A few years back some illegal aliens were doing the floors (stripping , waxing), , late at night at the local Wal-Mart. They were Romanians if I recall. Someone turned them in . The sweepers during the day are Filipinos.
Someone needs to fix the robots?
Shopper: “Hey, buddy! Come on back to my house. It needs a thorough cleaning!”
This is WalMart.
People will be having sex on the robojanitors, and some will have sex with the robojanitors.
Some will try to ride on them as though they are mobility scooters.
Will these robots be paid a living wage?
Democrats want to know.
Without my input, I’m surprised this will work.
People are always crowded up around the items I try to purchase, while absent from other places. I could have told the ‘janitor’ where the people will always be.
Reminds me of this book.....
What's to keep them from scrubbing the customers?
To remind us how intolerant we are?
You asked for it, you got it...
Ferals will mess with these robots just because they can.
cannot stop people / children walking into the robots or hitting with shopping carts etc.
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