Walmart bolsters e-grocery automation efforts with Alert Innovation acquisition
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the acquisition comes after Walmart first partnered with Alert Innovation in 2016 and began piloting the firm's Alphabot System technology at one of its micro fulfillment centers in Salem, New Hampshire in 2019.
Alert's robotic Alphabot system is an automated e-grocery fulfillment solution that utilizes omnidirectional robots in a temperature-controlled system to efficiently fulfill and expedite fresh grocery orders.
“We will continue leveraging our development, manufacturing and deployment expertise to enable Walmart to build and scale MFC technology in its stores. With Walmart, we have the opportunity to positively impact millions of lives through the Alphabot System,” said Fritz Morgan, Alert Innovation CEO.
Last quarter, Walmart reported a 12% year-over-year increase to its e-commerce sales and 18% increase on a two-year basis.
David Guggina, senior vice president of innovation and automation of Walmart US, said, “We are committed to exceeding customer expectations and serving them in new ways, whether it’s in a store, curbside, or at their home. Bringing the best of Alert’s technology and capabilities in-house will enable us to reach more customers quicker by deploying MFCs with greater speed, providing both an unmatched shopping experience and a competitive advantage in omnichannel fulfillment.”
Alert Innovation will continue to operate under the Alert Innovation brand based in the Boston area.
