Purpose The combination of the latest advancements in information and communication technologies with the latest developments in AutoID technologies, especially radio frequency identification (RFID), brings the possibility of high-resolution, item-level visibility of the entire supply chain. In the particular case of retail, visibility of both the stock count and item location in the shop floor is crucial not only for an effective management of the retail supply chain but also for physical retail stores to compete with online retailers. The purpose of this paper is to propose an autonomous robot that can perform stock-taking using RFID for item-level identification much more accurately and efficiently than the traditional method of using human operators with RFID handheld readers. Design/methodology/approach This work follows the design science research methodology. The paper highlights a required improvement for an RFID inventory robot. The design hypothesis leads to a novel algorithm. Then the cycle of development and evaluation is iterated several times. Finally, conclusions are derived and a new basis for further development is provided. Findings An autonomous robot for stock-taking is proven feasible. By applying a proper navigation strategy, coupled to the stream of identifications, the accuracy, precision, consistency and time to complete stock-taking are significantly better than doing the same task manually. Research limitations/implications The main limitation of this work is the unavailability of data to analyze the actual impact on the correction of inventory record inaccuracy and its subsequent implications for the supply chain management. Nonetheless, it is shown that figures of actual stock-tacking procedures can be significantly improved. Originality/value This paper discloses the potential of deploying an inventory robot in the supply chain. The robot is called to be a key source of inventory data conforming supply chain management 4.0 and omnichannel retail.

People with physical or cognitive disabilities lack independence in their everyday activities. Deviceless activity detection through RFID-enabled ambient assisted living technologies can improve the lives of such people, especially in their shopping experiences.

Abstract. AdvanRobot proposes a new robot for inventorying and locating all the products inside a retail store without the need of installing any fixed infrastructure. The patent pending robot combines a laserguided autonomous robotic base with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) payload composed of several RFID readers and antennas, as well as a 3D camera. AdvanRobot is able not only to replace human operators, but to dramatically increase the efficiency and accuracy in providing inventory, while also adding the capacity to produce store maps and product location. Some important benefit of the inventory capabilities of AdvanRobot are the reduction in stock-outs, which can cause a drop in sales and are the most important source of frustration for customers; the reduction of the number of items per reference maximizing the number of references per square meter; and reducing the cost of capital due to overstocking [1,7]. Another important economic benefit expected from the inventorying and location capabilities of the robot is the ability to efficiently prepare on-line orders from the closest store to the customer, allowing retailers to compete with the likes of Amazon (a.k.a. omnichannel retail). Additionally, the robot enables to: produce a 3D model of the store; detect misplaced items; and assist customers and staff in finding products (wayfinding).

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) offers an extraordinary opportunity to enhance the shopping experience of customers in a retail store. There are two types of possible enhancements: increasing the efficiency of traditional processes, or offering new use cases at the store. RFID offers a great opportunity in both cases. RFID can be used to improve the availability of products, reducing stock outs, to streamline the check-out process, reducing the lines, or to substitute the typical Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) "horse gates" by hidden antennas, freeing the entrance to the store from intimidating barriers. Besides these operational improvements, RFID can also be used to offer shoppers new and enticing functionalities, such as a "magic mirror" to virtually try garments on, or an interactive screen in the fitting room that displays information and offers functionalities related to the particular garments brought in by the customer. This paper describes an actual installation in an apparel retail store in Barcelona, and presents some of the initial conclusions after several months of operation with real customers.

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