Prior to the Covid pandemic, robotics deployments in retail environments were growing steadily, proving their efficacy, generating ‘value’ and delivering solid ROI in the process. Covid has acted as an accelerant, so much so that in 2021 robotics technologies will transform the retail sector.

Walmart’s decision to end its five year experiment with Bossa Nova Robotics and their in-store robot program was unexpected, but upon further analysis not without merit, at least in the short term. Other robotics companies servicing the retail sector are progressing, but they must continue to innovate to be successful.