Autonomous Retailing: A Frontier for Cyber-Physical-Human Systems

Retail is one of the largest economic sectors, accounting for almost $5 trillion in sales in the US alone. With the proliferation of e-commerce, mobile devices, and digitally engaging shopping journeys, retail is going through profound transformations that will change everyone’s life. The future of retail will inevitably integrate online and in-store shopping, and promises to enhance customers’ shopping experience. Physical stores, which still account for 85% of retail sales, and 95% of grocery sales, must be repositioned to coexist with online and mobile shopping channels.