Two ShopRite locations in Pennsylvania are using battery-powered robots to make deliveries. The same-day delivery service debuted in Yardley this week and will come to Bethlehem next month.
This is part of a pilot program by Wakefern Food Corp., the logistics, distribution, and marketing arm for ShopRite stores, and Tortoise, a last-mile delivery solutions company. ShopRite is the first East Coast supermarket banner to adopt the technology.
“We are excited to launch this revolutionary new technology,” said Wakefern chairman and CEO Joe Colalillo, also president of ShopRite of Hunterdon County, which operates five stores including the Yardley and Bethlehem locations. “Demand for ever-faster home delivery continues to increase, and we believe this provides another innovative way for ShopRite customers to receive their groceries quickly and efficiently. Tortoise’s battery-powered cart is a unique, environmentally friendly and cost-effective delivery option for our customers who shop online.”
The robots travel at an average speed of 3 miles per hour and are tele-operated by trained remote drivers. The carts can hold up to 150 pounds in four lockable containers which can be set for chilled and frozen items. ShopRite customers are informed of the arrival of the order by a text message that can also be used to unlock the cart to unload the items.
“Wakefern is our first customer on the East Coast to use this innovative delivery system, and we believe shoppers will love the convenience Tortoise offers,” said Dmitry Shevelenko, co-founder of Tortoise. “Our electric cart allows ShopRite associates to focus less on the delivery of products and more on helping customers to improve the shopping experience.
