Smart Content

Digimarc and Bossa Nova Robotics today announced that they are collaborating on next-generation retail solutions for more efficient inventory management. Digimarc technology is now integrated into Bossa Nova’s retail robots, allowing them to quickly and accurately scan products that have been enhanced with Digimarc Barcode. This collaboration enables retailers to reduce out-of-stocks and better manage store inventory levels by using real-time data for task management and planogram planning on the retail floor.

Digimarc Barcodes contain the same Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) information found in traditional UPC/EAN symbols, but are imperceptible to the human eye, and repeated across the entire packaging surface, significantly increasing the speed and accuracy of inventory scanning.

Bossa Nova’s robots autonomously scan store shelves for out-of-stock products, planogram compliance and correct pricing. By reading a Digimarc Barcode, Bossa Nova robots provide retailers with time-sensitive data to help them make real-time, fact-based decisions to prevent product shortages and practice Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory management to increase efficiencies. Data from Bossa Nova seamlessly integrates with existing inventory management systems, so as to not disrupt inventory protocols.

In addition, the robots operate collaboratively alongside store employees and can safely maneuver around customers, allowing inventory management to continue unabated during operating hours. This collaboration enables Bossa Nova to use Digimarc Barcode-enabled shelf labels as part of its Planogram compliance solution.

“Through robotics, computer vision and deep learning, Bossa Nova’s data is bringing tremendous inventory efficiency improvements to retail stores,” said Martin Hitch, CEO of Bossa Nova Robotics. “Digimarc Barcode is a disruptive technology that will replace visible barcodes and simplify the way we identify products on shelf. Retailers and suppliers are guaranteed accurate inventory information at scale and unprecedented visibility into merchandising performance. Digimarc is an integral part of progressive retail operations, and we are excited to partner with them in delivering the foundation of the store of the future.”

Along with inventory management, Digimarc Barcode offers benefits along the value chain, including improved supply-chain management and in-store customer engagement. Digimarc Barcode gives brands the opportunity to enhance their packaging with additional content that can be scanned by customers using their smartphones. In addition, the most commonly-used POS scanners read Digimarc Barcode, helping retailers improve front-of-store efficiency and boosting ROI.

“A new vision for future retailing is taking shape, using automation to improve store efficiency, information transparency, and customer satisfaction,” said Sean Calhoon, Vice President of Product Management at Digimarc. “Bossa Nova Robotics is a key part of that vision. By reading Digimarc Barcodes on product packaging, their robots will be far more effective helping stores improve their shelf stocking and inventory management.”