Now in aisle 3 at Lowe's: robots

The robots are coming.

Lowe's is testing whether new bots on wheels can improve its customer service, like helping a shopper find a match for something as simple as a nail.

Four robots are being tested at an Orchard Supply Hardware store owned by Lowe's in San Jose, California.

The robots, dubbed OSHbots, look like white columns with two large black screens on either side and wheels to help them move. They are equipped with 3-D cameras so they can scan and identify items. Customers can research items they want to buy on their screen and then the robot can lead them to the aisle where an item is located.

"They're based on making a science fiction story a reality," said Kyle Nel, executive director of Lowe's Innovation Lab.

The robots also have a database of what is in stock so they can let customers know if something is available.

"People can come in with a random screw and say, 'Mr. Robot, I need more of these,' and if we do have it in the store, they can find it," Nel said. The robots can speak English and Spanish.

Lowe's started working in November with Fellow Robots, a technology company in Silicon Valley, to develop the robots. The cost of the project is undisclosed.

Lowe's has been working on infusing more technology into its customer service. It has also developed a "holoroom" that can let users see what different pieces of furniture look like in different rooms in a virtual-reality environment.

(China Daily 10/30/2014 page10)