CHICAGO -- While high-tech tools like drones and robots are still dipping their toes in the proverbial pool of delivery, it’s only a matter of time before they dive in headfirst, and each has the potential to make a splash in the c-store industry.
Read on to see how four delivery innovators are progressing and potentially invading the c-store space …
A few companies like 7-Eleven and Amazon are exploring drone delivery in the United States, but Americans are still getting used to the idea of unmanned flying robots delivering their packages. A recent consumer survey from ReportLinker claims that while 47% of Americans say they’re interested in drone-based delivery, 53% of male respondents are interested in the practice and a full 72% of 18-24 year old respondents are open to the idea. Either way, the Federal Aviation Administration predicts that seven million drones will be in use by 2020, and at least a few of those are bound to be making deliveries.
They may look cute, but these six-wheel robots from European company Starship Technologies have the potential to change the way groceries are delivered across short distances. Pilot programs are testing the rolling delivery devices in Washington, D.C. and Redwood City, Cali., and cities in Virginia could follow, according to the Associated Press. The R2-D2-like robots can hold up to 22 pounds and are designed to carry goods across a 2- to 3-mile radius, making them a clear competitor to the idea of a quick run to the c-store. If Star Wars has taught us anything, it’s to never underestimate a cute droid.
Interest in the Amazon Echo and Google Home smart speakers, above, is not waning anytime soon, according to findings from VoiceLabs, an analytics software company. VoiceLabs recently reported that 6.5 million of these “voice-first” devices were sold in 2016, and it predicts that 2017 will see 24.5 million of the devices shipped. As more homes grow used to having a virtual assistant, it begs the question: Why go out when you can order your favorite Domino’s pizza without talking to another human being?
Amazon’s one-click-to-purchase tool, the Dash button, has recently been made virtual on the e-retailer’s mobile app and website. Now, customers can order groceries, cleaning products and other household goods in one click without having to order and install a physical button in their homes. Users can organize which buttons appear on their Amazon homepage, delete those they don’t want to see and create a unique dashboard of buttons.
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