New robotic locker provides even more convenience for online shoppers

As demand for online shopping shows no signs of slowing down, New Zealand’s supermarket chain Countdown trials new contactless technology that kicks convenience up another notch for customers.

The robotics-based lockers, located outside Countdown supermarkets in Cambridge and Pukekohe South, are made by an Estonian technology company Cleveron. The two stores were chosen to trial the technology due to a massive increase in demand for pick up orders in the last year.

Countdown’s General Manager Brand and CountdownX, Sally Copland, says the robotic pick-up option is another step in Countdown’s quest to increase convenience for Kiwi shoppers. “Our online customers are looking for ultimate convenience and choice for their grocery shopping – demand for both delivery and pick-up has rapidly increased, prompting us to look into self-service options to have pick-up orders ready in a matter of seconds,” says Sally Copland.

“Our in-store customers will benefit as well with less congestion around the customer services desk and our team can do what they do best – helping customers. Launching this technology in New Zealand is exciting for our customers but what’s even more exciting is what it could mean for the future of grocery in New Zealand,” says Sally Copland.

New Zealand is already familiar with Cleveron’s solutions. In 2019, Cleveron started cooperation with The Warehouse, the largest general merchandise retailer in New Zealand. The Warehouse installed the Cleveron 401 parcel robot at Sylvia Park Shopping centre in Auckland, which marked Cleveron’s entry into the Australasian market.

Cleveron 501 is an outdoor parcel robot for grocery pickup. The robotic click & collect solution can be installed in various locations, taking the shop closer to the consumers. It includes freezer and regular climate zones, issuing orders within seconds, making the pickup fast and convenient for the end-user.