# Robot Retail The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the use of robots in retail. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Jul 20, 2020 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/robot-retail ## Key Figures - Trend score: 6.4/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Robot Retail trend? **Robot Retail:** Autonomous devices in retail spaces that ensure limited contact between employees and customers are on the rise. Though these technologies have been used sporadically, they're in accelerated development due to the implications of retail openings amidst the ongoing pandemic. ## The consumer insight behind the Robot Retail trend As people and brands adjust to reopened economies, safety is still a primary concern. Understanding the continued health risks, people are venturing out of their homes and shopping as long as they know that the retailers they visit are taking their health, and the health of their employees, seriously. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 25, 2020 to Feb 11, 2022 - Published: Jul 20, 2020 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Robot Retail trend ### Autonomous devices in retail spaces Technology has enabled the increased use of autonomous devices in retail spaces to ensure limited contact between employees and customers. ### Contactless delivery robots The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased demand for contactless delivery, resulting in the mobilization of autonomous delivery robots in various cities. ### Smart shopping carts Smart shopping carts are equipped with touchscreens and other components to detect items and checkout without a cashier, providing a contactless and digital experience. ## What the Robot Retail trend means for industry ### For Retail There is a growing trend towards the use of autonomous devices and robotics in retail spaces. ### For Food and beverage Robotics are being utilized in various food and beverage service industries to increase efficiency and minimize contact between people. ### For Delivery services Contactless delivery using autonomous robots is becoming increasingly popular in various cities across the world. ## Workshop question How can your brand go above and beyond to protect customer and employee health? ## Trend signals for Robot Retail Trend score 6.4 out of 10, from popularity 93%, activity 88%, freshness 11%. - Popularity: 93% - Activity: 88% - Freshness: 11% ## Examples of the Robot Retail trend 5 featured examples from Feb 25, 2020 to Feb 11, 2022. - [Smart Shopping Carts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amazon-dash-cart): The Amazon Dash Cart Knows What Shoppers Purchase (Category: Business) Implication: The retail industry can explore the innovative potential of smart shopping carts like the Amazon Dash Cart to create contactless, efficient, and convenient shopping experiences fo… - [No-Contact Robotic Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/no-contact-restaurant): KFC Opened a No-Contact "Restaurant of the Future" in Russia (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate robotics and technology into the restaurant industry to create more efficient and sanitary dining experiences. - [Bookstore Assistance Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/around-b-robot): The 'AROUND B' Robot Carries Books for Browsing and Purchasing (Category: Business) Implication: The 'AROUND B' robot introduces automation and enhances convenience in the retail industry. - [Contactless Delivery Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starship-technologies): Starship Technologies is Releasing Its Delivery Robots to New Cities (Category: Tech) Implication: The logistics and delivery industry can benefit from the adoption of contactless delivery robots to streamline their operations, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. - [Automated Robot Baristas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/automatic-barista): This Automatic Barista "Hand Pours" Coffee at the Olympics (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The coffee industry can benefit from incorporating automated baristas to minimize wait times, reduce errors and increase productivity in order to improve customer satisfaction. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)