Key Takeaways
1. Venhub’s automated convenience stores reduce building and operating costs by 31% compared to traditional stores with human staff.
2. The stores operate 24/7 using AI robotic arms for order fulfillment and have a product range of over 400 SKUs.
3. Setting up a Venhub unit costs between $250,000 and $275,000, with monthly operational fees for the robots.
4. The store design enhances security, minimizes theft, and ensures a clean environment, with payments made via smartphones.
5. Future upgrades will include solar energy and support for frozen food items, while the store’s compact size requires specific lot dimensions.
NBC4 news in Los Angeles has reported that Venhub’s convenience stores, which are fully automated, have managed to cut down building and operating expenses by 31% when compared to regular stores that employ human staff.
A New Kind of Service
Venhub stores operate continuously without the need for breaks or staff changes. They use two special AI robotic arms that travel along a metal track to fulfill customer orders around the clock. These robots are equipped with AI vision recognition to find products. With interchangeable suction cups and grabber hands, they can manage a diverse range of items easily.
Product Range and Tracking
These stores can hold over 400 different product SKUs and are fitted with six smart refrigerated cabinets. Owners have the ability to monitor inventory, operations, and sales remotely through live surveillance. Predictive AI is used to analyze inventory and demand trends for better restocking efficiency.
Cost and Efficiency
The price for setting up a unit is generally between $250,000 and $275,000, and it is entirely owned by the operator. The robots incur a monthly software as a service (SaaS) fee of $2,500, plus an optional servicing fee of $1,300 for maintenance (which calculates to about $5.21 per hour when operating 24/7).
This setup alleviates the challenges of recruiting and retaining staff, especially given that the minimum wage for fast food workers is $20 and $16.50 for other workers in California. Customers enjoy reduced prices; for instance, one individual found Coke priced at $0.79, which is significantly lower than the typical price of over $2 at conventional convenience stores.
Security and Customer Experience
Venhub stores come with a secure layout that keeps customers outside, making it harder for thieves to break in and preventing large-scale thefts that often trouble local convenience outlets. This design also contributes to a cleaner environment, especially crucial during health crises. Payments are made through smartphones, eliminating cash theft risks. Customers collect their orders through window boxes, and all windows are reinforced to be bulletproof.
Utility power is used for operations, while backup batteries ensure the store stays functional during power outages and natural disasters. Future upgrades will incorporate solar energy and support for frozen food items. Each building measures 22 x 10 x 10 feet (6.71 x 3.05 x 3.05 m) and needs a lot with 4 feet (1.22 m) of clearance on every side.
For those interested in running a convenience store, they can order a Venhub directly. If readers are curious about the market, they can check out this book on automated stores and this book discussing the history of 7-Eleven.
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