Robots That Collaborate with Store Staff: Armo
Achieving labor saving at a low cost: Armo
Armo handles various tasks in the store with multi-use capabilities and works as a partner to the staff.
Armo is a robotics platform aimed at addressing labor shortages in retail stores and revitalizing store operations.
Previously, robots were specialized in single tasks, such as transportation, security, or cleaning. However, stores typically require multiple tasks to be performed simultaneously throughout the day, making it difficult to replace human labor with single-task robots. To address this, our company developed Armo, a versatile solution that can adapt to a variety of tasks by combining different expansion units, thereby reducing the overall cost of robot implementation. By swapping these expansion units, Armo can efficiently perform tasks such as restocking, capturing shelf images, and assisting customers, providing a flexible and comprehensive solution for a range of store needs.
The benefits of implementation include reduced inventory tasks, which can lower store operation costs, as well as improved customer satisfaction by allowing a focus on customer service tasks when necessary—all contributing to greater efficiency.
Achieving efficient store operations with expansion units
One robot, multiple roles! Armo tackles many different activities with expansion units.
- Transporting Unit: Product Transportation
Armo automates the transportation between the backroom and product shelves during restocking or picking items for e-commerce. This streamlines store operations and boosts staff productivity.
- Scanning Unit: Shelf Scanning
Armo scans store shelves and other sales areas, and stores captured images on the Eureka Platform, a platform for collecting and analyzing data related to store conditions. This allows for accurate monitoring of the store’s conditions without needing to visit the location. Furthermore, in addition to detecting out-of-stock items and verifying product prices, it is also expected to enable comparing the display with pre-programmed shelf layout data to confirm product placement, through integration with external shelf management systems.
- Guiding Unit: Customer Assistance
Armo can guide customers searching for specific products to the correct location. Additionally, it can lead them to that location if needed, enhancing the shopping experience.
Introduction process—streamlining store operations with Armo
Introduction Steps:
(1) Short-Term Testing in a Single Store (Approximately 2 Months)
Armo is introduced to a specific store to identify challenges in the operational environment and workflow.
Objectives:
- Identify effective operation methods
- Pinpoint environmental and operational issues and develop countermeasures
- Set KPIs necessary for achieving goals
(2) Mid-Term Testing in Multiple Stores (Approximately 6 Months)
With a view toward full-scale implementation, the system is trialed in multiple stores to assess its effectiveness in different environments and expand the potential for deployment.
Objectives:
- Verify whether KPIs are met
- Optimize operational models across multiple stores
- Evaluate versatility and adaptability
(3) Full-Scale Implementation
Based on the data and insights gained from steps (1) and (2) , we develop an optimal operational plan for each store and support the efficient and effective rollout across all locations.
If you are a business owner struggling with store operation efficiency, please feel free to consult with us.
Attracting widespread attention
In January 2024, Armo exhibited at NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show, the world’s largest retail industry exhibition held in New York, marking the beginning of test marketing for its U.S. expansion. Subsequently, it was selected as a finalist in the Robotics category of the SXSW Pitch 2025, held at the world-renowned South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, becoming the first Japanese company to be chosen for this prestigious event.
- URL (Japanese):https://www.muse-gr.com/
- URL (English):https://www.muse-gr.com/en