TUCSON, Ariz. -- A robot or some form of artificial intelligence could replace many physical or customer-facing tasks at the convenience store of the future if costs match what retailers are already paying flesh-and-blood human beings, according to the keynote speaker at the annual Conexxus conference.
Whether via a device physically stocking shelves or using an avatar on a touch-screen kiosk, the ability to replace people with automated labor can present a “social” dilemma in removing human contact at retail, but it's an opportunity for retailers facing mounting labor and operating costs, said Michael Rogers, a futurist and guest speaker for the Alexandria, Va.-based technology-standards group.
“The most important role of artificial intelligence in automating processes is growing the amount of cognitive capability and deeper learning,” Rogers told the gathering of about 250 attendees. “It’s as transformative as the [Excel] spreadsheet.”
Opening the formal activities of the five-day conference, Rogers touched on numerous issues and technology trends:
- A growing virtual reality. Everything from mobile devices to so-called wearable technology is becoming a more fundamental part of life. “Soon, losing it will be like loosing electricity," he said.
- Big-data security. Major warehouses of data will have to find and communicate ways they will secure what they collect. If not, government regulation could be the result.
- Power storage. The growing use of renewable energies such as solar and wind present the problem of power storage. Rogers said renewed interest is rising for batteries in people’s homes.
The May 1-5, 2016, conference in Tucson, Ariz., is a working gathering, with retailer and supplier committees discussing issues such as data security, loyalty and mobile strategies. Conexxus is a technology standards and advisory group to the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).
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