Brain Corp, a provider of operating systems and software for robots, has partnered with Driveline, which has more than 15,000 retail outlets across the US, to launch ShelfOptix, a fully managed inventory management service for stores.
Brain Corp says the ShelfOptix service provides “robot-powered shelf intelligence at scale without the cost or complexity of technology ownership”.
Retailers and brands alike struggle to understand where in-store execution is impacting sales because they lack clear and consistent visibility at the shelf.
Out-of-stocks, phantom inventory, zero-sale items, and compliance issues cost the retail industry an estimated $1.7 trillion each year, and research shows that 70 percent of consumers will switch retailers or brands when faced with an out-of-stock item.
By collecting and delivering “ground truth” shelf visibility with greater accuracy, flexibility, and scalability, ShelfOptix enables retailers and brands to improve in-store execution and the effectiveness of their strategies.
David Pinn, CEO of Brain Corp, says: “With robot-powered shelf intelligence delivered through the simplicity of a fully managed service, ShelfOptix is making accurate shelf insights more accessible at scale.
“This gives retailers and brands the visibility they need to close the reality gap between what systems show and what’s truly on the shelf, without having to operate or maintain a single robot. It’s a unique service that’s precise, packed with insights, and effortless to scale.”
Pilots with major US retailers already under way
ShelfOptix is currently in pilot programs with several major retailers, including Southeastern Grocers, parent company of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket.
In the initial phase, the pilots are focused on helping retailers gain a better understanding of their on-shelf availability (OSA), Direct Store Distribution (DSD) execution, and compliance performance.
Anthony Hucker, chairman and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, says: “You can’t fix what you can’t see, and in retail, that visibility is the foundation for delivering on our promise to the customer.
“Our pilot with ShelfOptix has already demonstrated how its managed service, powered by robots, can give us a clear, real-time view of what’s on our shelves, so we can address issues faster and ensure our customers find what they need, every time they shop.
“It’s about building trust through consistency and delivering the seamless experience our communities deserve.”
A new model for shelf intelligence
ShelfOptix gives retailers and brands a reliable source of truth for shelf intelligence, while addressing the complexity, cost, and labor often associated with collecting data at scale by combining:
- Portable shelf-scanning robots: AI-powered precision and consistency, with a foldable and portable design for easy transport between stores.
- Service-based model: Retailers and brands gain access to high-fidelity shelf insights, without adding operational burden.
- National in-store coverage: A team of 15,000+ field reps can collect and address shelf insights to improve on-shelf availability, ordering, planograms, and pricing compliance.
Randy Wilson, CEO of ShelfOptix, says: “For decades, retailers and brands have had to make strategic decisions without a clear view of what’s really happening on shelves.
“ShelfOptix changes this by delivering a level of visibility the industry has never had before. It’s disruptive, it’s actionable, and it’s why we anticipate thousands of robots deployed in the field by the end of 2026.”
