https://drugstorenews.com/retail-news/walgreens-to-implement-voice-powered-ai-technology-in-stores
07/25/2019
Walgreens to implement voice-powered AI technology in stores
Walgreens is leveraging voice-based artificial intelligence (AI) technology to improve the in-store experience for associates and customers.
Walgreens is implementing Theatro’s enterprise-wide, voice-powered AI solution at all of its 9,560 stores, with the first 1,000 locations deployed in 2019. Store associates can use their voice to interact with Theatro’s AI-powered intelligent assistant to obtain information needed to deliver differentiated customer experiences.
Every associate is connected to their enterprise network and to their leadership team at all times through the use of a small, voice-controlled Internet of Things (IoT) device that allows the associate to face shoppers and have their hands free during customer interactions.
“As we transform our stores into modern neighborhood health destinations, it’s critical that we enable our store teams to enhance the experience for customers and patients,” said Richard Ashworth, president of operations, Walgreens. “Technology solutions like Theatro allow us to communicate the changes we’re making directly and regularly with our team members, keeping them up-to-date and able to continue to offer great customer service.”
Neiman Marcus is also deploying mobile, voice-based technology from Theatro at its high-tech store location in Manhattan’s Hudson Yards. To optimize associates’ time on the sales floor, employees at the store are outfitted with a voice-controlled mobile platform from Theatro that connects them to an artificial intelligence-enabled device with voice recognition requests.