DEV Community: Kirill Dedeshin

The Future of Shopping: Innovative Startup with Robots for Automated Dark Stores

Kirill Dedeshin — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 07:51:32 +0000

In today's world, where technology is reshaping our lifestyle, startups are striving to offer innovative solutions even in the mundane sphere of grocery shopping. One of the exciting and forward-thinking projects on the horizon is an automated dark store utilizing robots for order fulfillment.

How does it work? A fleet of robots, united under the banner of the startup, takes orders through a novel online service. Immediately upon the order's entry into the system, the robots spring into action, gathering a diverse range of products, including dry goods, as well as chilled and frozen items.

What makes this startup stand out? The incorporation of sensor technologies and artificial intelligence allows for automatic tracking of inventory levels and product expiration dates. Complex processes of inventory management and quality control are implemented using machine learning and computer vision technologies. Developed algorithms for sensor fusion not only ensure proper packaging of goods, reducing damages and waste but also minimize packaging time.

This startup not only challenges the conventional way we approach grocery shopping but also provides a glimpse into the future with a more efficient shopping and delivery system. With the growing interest in innovation, such a project promises to redefine our shopping experience, making it more convenient and technologically advanced.

Short ideas AI and music

Kirill Dedeshin — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 16:44:13 +0000

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating personalized music playlists can greatly enhance the overall ambiance and customer experience in various types of establishments. Here's how:

Tailored Music Selection: AI algorithms analyze customer preferences, demographic data, and emotions to create playlists that cater to the unique tastes of the audience. This ensures that the music resonates with customers, making them feel more comfortable and engaged.

Mood Enhancement: AI can dynamically adjust the music based on the mood of the establishment. For example, it can play lively music during busy hours in a café or restaurant to create an energetic atmosphere, while switching to softer, soothing tunes during quieter times to encourage relaxation.
Improved Customer Engagement: When customers hear songs they enjoy, it enhances their overall experience and encourages them to stay longer. This can lead to higher customer satisfaction and potentially increased sales.

Brand Consistency: AI-driven playlists can align with a brand's image and values, ensuring a consistent experience across multiple locations. For instance, a luxury hotel chain can maintain a sophisticated ambiance through AI-curated music.

Cost Efficiency: AI reduces the need for human DJs or manual playlist curation, making it a cost-effective solution for establishments aiming to offer customized music experiences.

Data-Driven Insights: AI can gather data on music preferences and customer behavior, providing valuable insights for businesses to refine their strategies and gain a better understanding of their clientele.

Article on Technological Trends in Grocery Stores: Ideas, Vision, Present, and Future

Kirill Dedeshin — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 13:03:43 +0000

Ideas for Grocery Stores
An innovative solution that allows remote monitoring of store shelves using special cameras and electronic price tags can significantly enhance the operations of retailers. This system can not only improve product accessibility on the shelves but also optimize work processes, staff placement, and customer satisfaction.

Electronic price tags interact with wireless cameras and aid in identifying specific items on the shelves. Real-time data is collected and can be used for in-store process management.
Store employees can utilize this data to identify missing items, improper product placements, and ensure product arrangement in line with the planogram.

In the Netherlands, an interesting concept emerged in 2019 in supermarkets, aiming to facilitate communication for elderly customers. Jumbo stores introduced special zones near the cash registers where people can snack and chat. This idea drew attention from the United States, emphasizing a shift towards slower, more socially focused service in contrast to automated technologies. Other chains like Carrefour and Sobeys are also following this path.

Perhaps, in the future, we may witness a scenario where, after shopping, we engage with self-checkout kiosks, interact with robots, and share stories with one another.

Smart Cameras and Automation
In Colruyt supermarket in Halle, smart cameras have been installed above the cash registers, capable of scanning items by themselves. These cameras can recognize 85% of the products placed on the checkout counter by employees. This innovation eliminates the need for manual scanning, making the checkout process five times faster. However, larger items, such as beverage containers, still require manual scanning, and fruits and vegetables need to be weighed.
This approach is an alternative to the practice in some supermarkets where customers place items in a cart that are then scanned by smart cameras. The debate on which method is better, more convenient, and effective remains open.
In the retail sector, numerous startups are actively working on innovations. One example is the Dutch startup GreenSwapp, which is actively developing an app that provides ecological information about products. By simply scanning a product's barcode with your phone's camera, you can instantly learn about the product's environmental sustainability and carbon footprint.
This approach can help consumers make informed decisions about what to purchase, considering the ecological impact in addition to price, health considerations, and other factors.

Trends in Localization
Recently, Whole Foods opened a unique supermarket in a historical building in Manhattan. The store features a large selection of products from local producers, with over 1,000 items sourced locally. The store collaborates extensively with local startups, offering products such as nut-based yogurt from the Brooklyn-based company CHKP Foods. The store's design carefully preserves the historical atmosphere of the building, and its location in this part of Manhattan makes it unique since there were no grocery stores in the area before.
We can expect other companies to explore similar endeavors.

AI-Driven Price Reduction
Albert Heijn, a supermarket chain from the Netherlands, is implementing a price reduction system using artificial intelligence (AI). The objective of this initiative is to sell fresh products with short shelf lives. The program gradually reduces prices throughout the day, relying on AI algorithms. The main goal is to ensure all products are sold by the end of the day, reducing product waste. This implementation is part of the company's sustainable development strategy. The system operates with different discount levels: 25%, 40%, and 70%. Prices dynamically adjust based on demand and product stock levels. Electronic price tags display the current price, original price, and the discount level.
Wasteless, an Israeli software provider for optimizing product markdowns, works with Albert Heijn as a consultant. Initially, Pricer's electronic price tags were used, but the decision was made to switch to the Hanshow system from China.

Retail and Big Data
To better understand customer behavior and offer more suitable products and services, retailers should seek data not only within stores but also consider customer interests beyond the store's confines.

Boosting Loyalty through Subscription Models
Subscription models that offer increased cashback can incentivize customers for long-term collaboration.

AI for Process Optimization
Companies are implementing voice assistants, automated call centers, self-checkout kiosks, and automatic shelf inventory systems to optimize their operations. Further optimization of processes is expected.

Enhancing Service Quality with Computer Vision
To ensure driver comfort and monitor their condition, such as preventing drowsy driving, computer vision can play a crucial role.

AI Will Not Replace Humans
The introduction of artificial intelligence can expedite information processing and reduce costs, but the human factor will remain an integral part of the process. Neural networks can replace consultants by providing answers to specific questions but only with proper human guidance. In this context, prompt engineering is essential.

The Influence of Artificial Intelligence and Music on Business Process Transformation

Kirill Dedeshin — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 10:04:14 +0000

Creating a unique atmosphere in businesses can be crucial for attracting a customer base. One of the tools for shaping this atmosphere is music. In this article, we will contemplate the role of music in various types of establishments and explore the position that artificial intelligence holds in this context.

Music possesses a remarkable power to influence people’s moods, either inspiring them or prompting contemplation.

For instance, soft and romantic music in restaurants aims to create a suitable ambiance for a romantic dinner, whereas lively and energetic music in cafes can elevate the spirits of patrons and stimulate their appetites.

Retail stores also frequently use music to set a specific atmosphere. For instance, a calm melody can make the shopping process more meditative during the summer, while an animated musical playlist might attract more visitors and boost sales.

In sports bars, music can generate excitement, uplift the spirits of fans, and make their presence more engaging, particularly when transmitted in a live recording format. In medical clinics, soothing music in the waiting room can help alleviate patients’ anxieties.

Setting the musical backdrop of establishments sometimes becomes the domain of artificial intelligence. It analyzes consumer data and generates personalized music playlists. This means that the musical experience of customers is becoming more tailored and substantiated.

Currently, many music platforms specializing in music streaming, including Spotify, use AI to analyze listener preferences and create individualized playlists. However, how can these skills be applied to a mixed group of unfamiliar customers?

The choice of music in stores and establishments may change based on the time of day, which is one of the variables that can align with people’s varying musical preferences. For example, in the morning, it makes sense to play calm and cheerful music to support a gentle and comfortable awakening. During daylight hours, a more energetic musical flow associated with active and lively customer moods is more suitable. In the evening, when most people are winding down, offering something cozy and relaxing is preferable.

In restaurants, computer vision systems can analyze customers’ facial expressions to determine whether the chosen music aligns with the ambiance. If it becomes clear that guests feel at ease, smile, or look relaxed, this is a positive sign.

This enables businesses to remain relevant and competitive. Regardless of the type of establishment, these concepts are proving to be effective.

Hypotheses for the formation of new subscription services in a rapidly evolving world

Kirill Dedeshin — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:59:50 +0000

Hypotheses for shaping new subscription services in a rapidly evolving world In a world saturated with technology and digital innovation, the subscription model is becoming an increasingly popular part of our shopping lives.

From choosing platforms for watching videos and listening to music to software and delivery services, the availability of subscriptions is increasingly driving preferences for brands and companies. But what types of subscriptions are highly predictable to be relevant going forward? In this article, we take a look at some potential trends and innovations that could influence the transformation of this consumer format.

The Food by Subscription service could offer a revolutionary way of shaping diets that will address our health needs and environmental concerns at the same time. The service will be based on the collection and processing of preferences, habits and possible allergic reactions of the user, and aims to help minimize unnecessary spending on food.

The service will also be useful if you have a specific nutritional goal in mind - for example, to lose weight, maintain health or replenish energy stores.

When creating a personalized grocery list, the service takes into account the location of the nearest stores and the possibility of delivery, as well as the environmental characteristics of the products in the available range.
In addition, the service takes into account trends in your food preferences and suggests products based on their expiration dates, which also helps reduce the amount of food you throw away.

Based on artificial intelligence, the service embodies not only a personalized approach to nutrition, but also minimizes the potential damage to the planet due to overconsumption of its resources. The service brings together the values of convenience, affordability and responsibility.

Subscriptions, useful when traveling, are a comfortable way to explore the world without worrying about the many details involved in organizing them.

So, instead of booking each accommodation separately, you can subscribe to a service that provides access to a wide range of accommodations around the world. It can include apartments, villas, apartments and even castles - all that remains is to choose the location, dates and nature of the accommodation, and the service will already take care of the options and subsequent registration.

A similar service provides access to the selection of airline tickets for various routes. Its availability can be of particular value to those who travel frequently, as they can book tickets without having to search for bargains every time.
If you are the kind of person who is often interested in tours and guides when traveling, then subscriptions with this thematic bias can make it easier for you to access various tours and activities in different parts of our world.

Some services provide subscribers with the opportunity to experience exclusive travel experiences that are not available to regular tourists. These can be yacht rides, wine tours, traveling to cultural events and many other options.
Travel subscriptions can also include flexible booking terms, discounts and bonuses for loyal customers. This makes traveling more affordable and enjoyable :)

It is likely that there will soon be one single subscription offering, say, 3 trips per year at a flat fee, and certainly covering all the above needs of any traveler.

Robots that help with household tasks are very likely to become the norm soon, so a subscription that spares the consumer from purchasing an expensive product by offering only payment for some of its services in return is also quite possible. A robot subscription could include maintenance, updates and access to cloud-based features that make the invention more flexible and useful.

Traveling in virtual space could become extremely popular in the future. Such a subscription could include access to virtual tours around the world, virtual museums and cultural events, allowing the user to explore unique places without leaving home. All we need to do is determine where we want to go, what content we want to explore and how much of it we want to see - the technology will do the rest.