Badger Technologies is set to energise retail with its new Digital Teammate—a platform that brings autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) into stores to work alongside staff and streamline day-to-day operations. These smart machines leverage computer vision and artificial intelligence to make tasks like inventory checks and hazard detection smoother.
CEO Emil Martinez explains that the robots are designed to support human teams rather than replace them. He likens their role to that of a trusty typewriter: a tool that enhances what people can already do. Based in Kentucky and part of Jabil Inc. since 2002, the company is no stranger to innovation.
The Digital Teammate combines cutting-edge hardware with intuitive software to assist across a range of functions—from maintaining price integrity to monitoring safety and even powering retail advertising networks. With integrated RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology, the robots can scan multiple items at once, ensuring real-time, accurate updates on shelf inventory.
A mobile app keeps everyone in the loop, providing tailored task lists and insights for shop floor associates up to executives. Martinez recalls a key conversation with Jabil a year ago: “We already capture information and surface it through APIs, portals, and other tools, so why don’t we use it?” That insight paved the way for turning raw data into practical, actionable strategies for retailers.
The robots don’t stop at inventory management. Their customer-facing tablets offer personalised assistance and promotions—an approach that particularly appeals to tech-savvy Gen Z and millennial shoppers, as shown by a 2024 survey where 63% reported positive interactions with robotic assistance.
Adding a unique twist, Martinez announced plans for a ‘robot college’ in Nicholasville. There, robots will work alongside human teams, allowing associates to focus on more engaging tasks while the machines handle routine jobs. This blend of human expertise and automation is already proving its worth; a leading hardware retailer boosted its inventory accuracy to over 97% with similar technology.
Often described as a versatile ‘Swiss Army Knife,’ the Digital Teammate is more than just a scanning tool—it offers full-service support that spans from operational efficiency to enhanced customer engagement. With over 1,000 robots already deployed across the U.S., Badger Technologies is poised to reshape the retail landscape when the Digital Teammate hits stores this summer.
