Vusion and Qualcomm Outline 'AI-Native Store' Vision
Vusion and Qualcomm Technologies have released a joint whitepaper detailing their vision for the "AI-Native Store." The concept relies on technologies like Bluetooth Low Energy, edge computing, and on-device AI to transform store operations, employee workflows, and customer experiences.
- The collaboration between Vusion (formerly SES-imagotag) and Qualcomm Technologies to develop a new generation of retail IoT solutions dates back to at least January 2020. Their joint efforts have recently focused on creating a new wireless standard for Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) based on Bluetooth Low Energy, moving away from proprietary protocols. - The "AI-Native Store" concept aims to deliver significant operational efficiencies, including saving 60-90 minutes of associate time per shift and providing up to a 1.5-2 point upside in operating margin. This is achieved through faster, more accurate picking for e-commerce orders and improved on-shelf product availability. - Vusion is a global leader in electronic shelf labels, with 350 million units sold in 45,000 stores, and its largest shareholder is BOE Technology, a Chinese semiconductor display group. In December 2023, Walmart extended its contract with Vusion to deploy its technology across all 4,600 of its U.S. stores. - A core component of the vision is Qualcomm's on-device AI, where processing occurs locally on devices like cameras and sensors, reducing latency and the need for constant cloud connectivity. Qualcomm's QCS8250 system-on-chip, for example, is designed to run complex AI workloads on-device for applications like self-checkout, supporting up to seven cameras. - The system leverages Vusion's "EdgeSense" technology, which is part of a broader "Vusion Intelligence" platform that uses AI and data to translate real-time retail signals into predictive insights. This allows for dynamic price automation, optimized restocking, and real-time monitoring of shelf conditions. - The architecture is designed to interact with the BLE-native devices that shoppers already carry, such as smartphones and wearables. This enables personalized in-aisle experiences and provides retailers with closed-loop attribution for in-store media. - The broader retail automation market is seeing significant investment, with major players like Amazon and Walmart heavily investing in robotics and AI to merge their physical and digital operations. Other technologies gaining traction include smart carts, robotic cleaning, and AI-powered loss prevention systems that can identify theft in real-time.
