Morrisons is set to install thousands of AI-powered cameras across its UK stores by the end of the year, after trials found they boosted availability and increased staff efficiency.
The grocer has become the first UK retailer to integrate US technology, teaming up with Seattle-based AI company Focal Systems.
Chief executive Rami Baitiéh has focused on improving patchy availability as a key priority for his turnaround at the retailer, with the cameras able to provide real-time on-shelf data and automatically direct staff to where stocks are running low, The Grocer reports.
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The title understands Morrisons has seen significant rises in availability scores in stores where the technology has been tested, suggesting that it could free up staff to prioritise customer service, which is another crucial focus for Baitiéh.
Last month the supermarket reported its strongest like-for-like sales growth in three years during its trading update for the first quarter.
It saw like-for-like sales, excluding fuel, soar 4.6% from a 0.1% rise the year before. Total sales excluding fuel were up by 3.9% to £3.9bn.
Rami Baitiéh said: “In January I outlined our plan to reinvigorate, refresh and strengthen Morrisons as we started our next chapter.”
“Those plans are now in full swing with the whole business engaged in the three key pillars of work that will be the foundation of the future for Morrisons: commercial excellence, operations optimisation and new value creation.”
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