Robots to assist customers at San Jose Orchard Supply Hardware store - News Article Locations on Waymarking.com

"Lowe's is testing whether new bots on wheels can improve its customer service, like helping a shopper find a match for something as simple as a nail.

Four robots will be tested an Orchard Supply Hardware store owned by Lowe's in San Jose.

The robots dubbed OSHbots look like white columns with two large black screens on either side of them, and wheels to help them move. They are equipped with 3D cameras so they can scan and identify items. And customers can research items they want to buy on their screen. Then the robot can lead them to the aisle where an item is located.

"They're based on making a science fiction story a reality," said Kyle Nel, executive director of Lowe's Innovation Lab.

The robots will make their inaugural appearance in late November or early December at the OSH store at 377 Royal Ave. in San Jose, said Amanda Manna, a Lowe's spokeswoman. She said the San Jose location was chosen for several reasons: the store has already served as a sort of laboratory where Lowe's, which bought OSH a little over a year ago, can test out new tech tools and systems to enrich the customer experience; Lowe's has its innovation lab at Singularity University at the NASA Research Park at Moffett Field; and Silicon Valley is the perfect spot to test out robots in retail." (visit link)

Type of publication: Internet Only When was the article reported?: 10/29/2014 Publication: San Jose Mercury News Article Url: [Web Link] Is Registration Required?: no How widespread was the article reported?: regional News Category: Society/People

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