At the moment, in the shelves of Intermarché d'Auxonne (21) and Hypermarché Auchan d'Englos (59), a curious machine is on the move that follows the customer... and carries his shopping bag.
This robot, named wiiGOis an invention of the Portuguese company Follow Inspiration that aims to make shopping easier for people with reduced mobility, especially those with disabilities. The idea came from its founder, who has been in a wheelchair since he was 14 years old, and wanted to imagine a tool that would allow him to carry his shopping without physical effort.
Indeed, it is enough to 2 small manipulations :
- the robot identifies the customer through its visual recognition system
- then the customer hangs up the shopping bag and presses the "start" button
Let's go ..... wiiGO tracks you between the shelves!
This innovation is currently being tested and demonstrated in 2 shops in France and SIG is participating in this launch.
How?
4 GIS facilitators take turns to allow customers to to test the robot, assist them if necessary and gather their impressions positive but also negative in order to improve its use.
Our facilitators are really keen to participate in this human and technological experience. Their role is essential.
According to Daniele Deutsch, animator at Intermarché Auxonne :
"We need to demystify the concept of the robot and the fear of technology. It is essential to explain to customers that they are taking part in a good action for the future, in the improvement of a project that will make shopping easier for people with reduced mobility..
Once the test was carried out, the feedback from users was unanimous: "As it is ingenious, practice and playful at the same time!"
This test phase for wiiGO is also strongly reported in the regional press as well as on national television and radio. If you are interested in the concept, you can find more information about the wiiGO robot on the web (http://www.followinspiration.pt/wiigo.html)
By taking part in this test, SIG once again demonstrates its commitment to its disability recognition policy and hiring of disabled people.
