KettyBot: Currys trials new AI robots to help customers navigate UK stores

Currys has introduced a brand new member of staff as it launches an AI robot to help out in some of its stores.
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Currys electrical retailer has announced it is trialling robots in some of its UK stores to help customers navigate their extensive product ranges. The new ‘Kettybot’ has been launched at four stores across the UK and will use unique AI technology to function.

During the trial, KettyBot will be ready and waiting to greet customers at the door, allowing them to use the large touchscreen to select the product area they would like to visit. Once KettyBot knows what’s of interest it will lead the way to locate what the customer is looking for.

KettyBots also can communicate with one another so if a Currys store is split on two levels, one KettyBot will guide a customer to either the lift or stairs and the other will be ready and waiting to continue guiding them to their desired product area.

Ainsley Sykes, Head of Commercial Initiatives and Retail Design at Currys commented, “Initially created for use within the hospitality sector, we saw an opportunity for KettyBot to enhance our in-store customer experience for those who know what they want but need a little helping hand in finding it in store.

“So far, the trial has gone exceptionally well, with both customers and colleagues singing KettyBot’s praises. We are very much looking forward to conducting a thorough review during the trial and looking at how we continue to improve and enhance our in-store experience.”

Currys is trialling AI robots in some of its UK storesCurrys is trialling AI robots in some of its UK stores
Currys is trialling AI robots in some of its UK stores

So far, four UK stores including Currys in Birmingham, Preston and London’s Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street have trialled KettyBot.

Richard Kirk, Birmingham Store Manager added: “It’s fair to say that both myself and the team were a little concerned when we heard about robot trials happening in-store. However, KettyBot is allowing us to spend much more time with those customers who need our expert advice when making their purchases, and the reaction from our customers has also been great to see.”