Walmart set to roll out 'autonomous janitors'
Source: The Hill
Walmart announced on Monday that it plans to deploy 360 custodial robots by the end of January that will mop the floors of some of its stores.
The retailer said in a joint statement with developer Brain Corp. that the machines will be able to scrub floors even with customers around. The robots will feature multiple sensors that allow them to scan for people and obstacles.
"BrainOS technology allows robots to effectively and safely function in complex, crowded environments, ensuring increased productivity and efficiency across applications," Brain Corp. CEO Eugene Izhikevich said in a statement. "We look forward to continuing to work alongside Walmart to help build intelligent, connected stores."
Bloomberg first reported on the announcement. The devices resemble a miniature Zamboni, the machine used to resurface ice at ice-skating rinks, and a motorized wheelchair, the news outlet said, and are already in use at airports in Seattle, Boston and Miami.
Read more: https://thehill.com/policy/technology/419409-walmart-to-roll-out-autonomous-janitors
appleannie1943
(1,303 posts)Maxheader
(4,366 posts)I accidentally spill some 90 weight gear lube on the floor...
dalton99a
(81,073 posts)pangaia
(24,324 posts)Spoken like a true robot..-ot -ot -ot -ot ...
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)As Im sure you know, just like many other jobs that are being automated and consolidated. Every sector of the economy will be affected.
redwitch
(14,933 posts)So I can trip over one of them and sue.
KPN
(15,587 posts)IthinkThereforeIAM
(3,072 posts)...eom.
PeeJ52
(1,588 posts)At least they'll need a person for clean-up on aisle 9.
nycbos
(6,033 posts)Javaman
(62,442 posts)this is a poke at wally worlds past hiring practices.
hatrack
(59,442 posts)That's too fucking high!!
Recursion
(56,582 posts)In that case it's too high.
Yosemito
(648 posts)These require a special absorbent powder.
And a broom instead of a mop.
eppur_se_muova
(36,227 posts)... then they can just lock their doors and not have any contact with people at all.
tinrobot
(10,848 posts)We've had those for a while. I don't see much need for outrage.
radical noodle
(7,990 posts)I actually didn't see it do anything other than try to navigate through the crowd
FakeNoose
(32,356 posts)... "we don't have to worry about robots stealing stuff." - Walmart management
radical noodle
(7,990 posts)Walmart the other day. I talked to the guy who was trying to get it to work. It was big, clunky and looked as though it wouldn't mind running down the customers. He didn't seem to be pleased with the way it was working. We have a huge number of older folks here and I see potential disaster ahead.
LisaM
(27,762 posts)I was there late at night and the thing seemed to be coming after me. It was unnerving.
dembotoz
(16,739 posts)jmowreader
(50,453 posts)I went to the Brain Corp. website. They build a package of sensors and computers, and sell it to a floor-machine company to install in one of its preexisting models. There are four of them, from four different builders...and all four have driver's seats.
gfwzig
(133 posts)YOHABLO
(7,358 posts)crazycatlady
(4,492 posts)On one hand, I hate to see jobs being taken away.
On the other hand, it might mean that Walmart's bathrooms are actually cleaned.
democratisphere
(17,235 posts)The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,280 posts)underpants
(182,281 posts)Just asking.