Automated-service retail system and method
US11142402B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 17, 2017 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 17, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06K7/1413
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A combination automated-service and self-service store for implementation at brick-and-mortar retail locations is provided. The store and corresponding method of implementation is an automated-service model in which robots, deployed at the brick-and-mortar location, fill orders for fungible goods placed by customers either online or in-store. The store also includes a shopping section where customers can select/order items and/or personally select non-fungible goods. The store includes a shopping section for non-fungible goods that customers prefer to pick out by hand and a back end automated order fulfillment section for other goods (e.g., fungible goods, dry goods, etc.). The two sets of goods are merged to a delivery bundle and delivered together for pickup by the customer. The combination automated-service and self-service store combines the convenience of online shopping and self-service shopping using an unconventional approach that reduces costs for the retailer and simultaneously increases customer satisfaction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.