Innovation of the Week is a subscriber-only series highlighting retail initiatives that have caught the eye of our team. Every week, we will bring you new ideas and case studies that link to the trends in our Retail Horizon 2024 reports – across consumer, technology, sustainability, and economy, policy and industry.
What is it?
Germany’s Rewe Group is testing a tech solution to onboard new employees.
The German grocer has created a 3D hologram of chief digital innovation officer Robert Zores, available to answer questions using AI.
Housed in a Holobox, Zores’ digital twin, known as ‘goRobert’ can already answer questions on new employee orientation and inform colleagues about digital projects, complementing the mentoring system already in place.
In the future, goRobert will be available to answer calls and questions via Microsoft Teams, any time of day or night.
Why does it matter?
The goal of the project is to allow Rewe to explore the digital possibilities of AI in its business and to trial its use with a natural and personal means of communication.
“Findings from the first trials are overwhelmingly positive. Colleagues are excited at the opportunity to talk with my digital twin in an innovative format. They particularly like being able to ask the avatar questions anonymously and free from judgement that may be out of place during onboarding in a large group, for example, personal concerns such as information on childcare, training or mental health programmes”
Robert Zores, chief digital innovation officer, Rewe Digital
Strategic implications
The opportunities of AI to learn, collate, disseminate information and make suggestions are a huge area being explored by retailers. This is a great use case, which gives an innovative, human face to the interactions.
Winning strategies
- AI for improved productivity and engagement
- Focus on innovation
Retail Horizon 2024 is Retail Week’s exclusive strategic toolkit for subscribers.
Across four in-depth reports, Retail Week research director Lisa Byfield-Green and our team of analysts explore the most significant trends that will shape the sector in the year ahead across consumer, technology, sustainability, and industry, economy and policy.
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