You should already be aware of the booming use of robots in retailing. For retailers, they may reduce costs and increase efficiency. On the other hand, there is concern about the impact of robots on the employment of humans.
To begin, check out these prior posts:
In Warehouses and Stores: The Booming Use of Robots in Retailing
As reported by Sara Lebow for Insider Intelligence/eMarketer:
In 2020, 34.0% of medium to large US warehouse and fulfillment center operators (with more than $10 million in annual revenues) had robots deployed in one or more of their locations. That number will rise to 42.0% in 2022. In-store robots among retailers with more than $10 million in annual revenues will see similar increases: 31.0% had robots in-store in 2020, and 36.5% will have them in 2022.
Look at the following chart.
Robots help retail companies reduce their labor requirements. While also performing tasks without needing to bring employees and customers into close proximity. Furthermore, robots in retail stores perform a range of functions. Including cleaning, stocking, inventory monitoring and management, and product transport. These systems are limited to larger retail operators with the capital and resources to invest in these projects, which have require high upfront investment to realize larger long-term gains.
Review the chart below that examines in-store robot usage.
Penetration rate growth for robots in both warehouse and in-store roles increased significantly between 2019 and 2020. But will taper off some in years to come. By 2023 we project 44.5% of warehouse fulfillment operators measured will have robots deployed to locations, and 37.5% of retailers measured will have robots working in-store.