Robotics Enabling Fully-Integrated Logistics Lines for Supermarkets

OBJECTIVES

REFILLS is aimed at introducing robotics solutions to improve logistics processes in supermarkets, revolutionising their current structure. In grocery retailing, in‐store operations account for the highest share of logistics costs, mainly due to the manual shelf restocking activities. REFILLS will automatise all the related tasks using novel modular robots. To make the smart shelf refilling concept a reality, three scenarios are envisaged: autonomous monitoring of goods on the shelves, refilling in collaboration with the supermarket clerks, and fully autonomous refilling.

EXPECTED IMPACT

REFILLS will contribute to maintain competitiveness of the bricks‐and‐mortar retail businesses and ensure supply reliability, especially in rural areas. Results will contribute to strengthen the European market share in professional service robotics. In detail, the following impacts are expected: prompt response to product shortages, efficiency gains in the supply chain, seamless product flows from suppliers to shelves, reduced barriers in human-robot collaboration, relief of staff and more attractive jobs in the retail environment with better ergonomic conditions.

PARTNERS

CREATE – CONSORZIO DI RICERCA PER L’ENERGIA, L’AUTOMAZIONE E LE TECNOLOGIE DELL’ELETTROMAGNETISMO
DM DROGERIE MARKT
INTEL
KUKA ROBOTICS
SWISSLOG
UNIVERSITÀ DELLA CAMPANIA LUIGI VANVITELLI (SUN)
UNIVERSITÄT BREMEN 

Coordinator:

Coordinator: Prof. Bruno Siciliano
info@refills-project.eu

https://www.facebook.com/H2020REFILLS/

Project website: http://www.refills-project.eu/

Call                     H2020-ICT-26-2016 a

Duration              1 January 2017 – 31 December 2019

Project ID           731590