Ready for Robots at the Register? Walmart Announces That Majority Of Its Stores Will Be Automated By 2026

This week, Walmart announced that by the year 2026, 65 percent of its stores will be automated thanks to consistent issues maintaining workers in its supply chain services.

In addition to the increase in automation, the company hopes that within three years 55 percent of its products will move through automated facilities in order to lower “unit cost averages” by 20 percent.

“Walmart is reengineering its supply chain to fulfill customer needs with a more intelligent and connected omnichannel network that is enabled by greater use of data, more intelligent software, and automation,” the company announced via a press release. “The outcome improves in-stock, inventory accuracy and flow whether customers shop in stores, pickup, or have a delivery.”

The automation of these facilities and Walmart’s stores will, the company claims, lead to higher wages at the cost of less physical labor for employees. “Over time, the company anticipates increased throughput per person, due to the automation while maintaining or even increasing its number of associates as new roles are created.”

“It all starts with our associates,” said Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon. “We are a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer. As it relates to being people-led, it’s about purpose, values, culture, opportunity, and belonging.”

DUELING SPEECHES? BOTH TRUMP & DESANTIS TO SPEAK AT UPCOMING NRA CONFERENCE

“We serve our associates by creating opportunities. Opportunities that turn jobs into careers,” he continued. “We help bring dignity to work by enabling them to see how they’re serving others, as part of a team, and helping them achieve their potential. And as we serve them, they serve our customers and members well…they make the difference.”

The company showcased these new innovations in a facility on Tuesday in Brooksville, Florida. as reported by The Daily Wire. The company was able to use a combination of data, robotics, and software to further automate its warehouses by illustrating “how the increased item storage allows the distribution center to provide a more consistent, predictable and higher quality delivery service to stores and customers and react more quickly to customer demand.”

Walmart seems to be adjusting to the post-pandemic economy created by the Biden administration which has resulted in a labor supply shortage. 

Given the lackluster economy, it is unsurprising that companies like Walmart are choosing to turn to automation to cut costs. 

You Can Follow Sterling on Twitter Here