Takeoff Technologies partners with U.S.-based Hispanic grocer to launch robotic supermarket

Takeoff Technologies, an e-grocery solution provider, announced Tuesday the launch of the first automated hyperlocal fulfillment center, in partnership with one of the largest Hispanic grocers in the U.S., Sedano's Supermarkets.

This technology is expected to be introduced in the upcoming month. Customer orders will be placed via an online app and carried out by Takeoff's automated micro-fulfillment center, with the support of Sedano's employees. Robots enabled with artificial intelligence (AI) assemble full supermarket orders of up to 60 items in just a few minutes and are designed to reduce the speed and cost of current manual picking options.

Takeoff's first hyperlocal micro-fulfillment center will serve 14 Sedano's Supermarkets locations throughout Miami and offer consumers pickup services.

"This model gives us the ability to leap into the e-grocery industry, develop a new level of employment opportunities, and continue meeting the needs of our valued consumers by offering an affordable and convenient online service," said Javier Herran, Sedano's chief marketing officer, in a prepared statement.

Takeoff's objective is to develop hyperlocal fulfillment centers that have one-eighth the footprint of a typical supermarket by utilizing robotics and compact vertical spaces. Takeoff is currently working with five regional and national retail chains in the U.S. and has several sites in development to deploy in 2019.

As Takeoff continues to grow, James McCann, former CEO of Ahold USA, is joining as a member of the Takeoff Advisory Board and as an investor. Additionally, the company has closed its Series B financing led by Forrestal Capital, taking the total capital raised to $46M.