Retailers want inventory data but not the challenges associated with owning and managing robots, according to Brain Corp. It and Driveline Retail, one of the largest service networks in the U.S., today launched ShelfOptix, which they said provides robot-powered shelf intelligence at scale without the cost or complexity of technology ownership.
Retailers and brands lack clear and consistent visibility at the shelf, making it difficult to understand where in-store execution is affecting sales, said the companies. Out-of-stocks, phantom inventory, zero-sale items, and compliance problems cost the retail industry an estimated $1.7 trillion each year, they said. Research has found that 70% of consumers will switch retailers or brands when faced with an out-of-stock item.
“With robot-powered shelf intelligence delivered through the simplicity of a fully managed service, ShelfOptix is making accurate shelf insights more accessible at scale,” stated David Pinn, CEO of Brain Corp.
“This gives retailers and brands the visibility they need to close the reality gap between what systems show and what’s truly on the shelf, without having to operate or maintain a single robot,” he added. “It’s a unique service that’s precise, packed with insights, and effortless to scale.”
Founded in 2009, Brain Corp said its AI software runs on more than 40,000 autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) operating in commercial public spaces. Global OEM partners use the San Diego, Calif.-based company‘s BrainOS cloud-connected platform to create scalable fleets that end customers use to clean floors, move inventory, and sense environmental data, turning manual operations into automated workflows.
ShelfOptix delivers ‘ground truth’
By collecting and delivering “ground truth” shelf visibility with greater accuracy, flexibility, and scalability, ShelfOptix enables retailers and brands to improve in-store execution and the effectiveness of their strategies, claimed Driveline Retail and Brain Corp.
The partners also said ShelfOptix addresses the complexity, cost, and labor often associated with collecting data at scale. It combines:
- Portable shelf-scanning robots: AI-powered precision and consistency, with a foldable and portable design for easy transport between stores.
- Service-based model:Â Retailers and brands gain access to high-fidelity shelf insights, without adding operational burden.
- National in-store coverage:Â A team of more than 15,000 field representatives can collect and address insights to improve on-shelf availability, ordering, planograms, and pricing compliance.
“For decades, retailers and brands have had to make strategic decisions without a clear view of what’s really happening on shelves,” said Randy Wilson, CEO of ShelfOptix. “ShelfOptix changes this by delivering a level of visibility the industry has never had before. It’s disruptive, it’s actionable, and it’s why we anticipate thousands of robots deployed in the field by the end of 2026.”
Save the date for the 2026 Robotics SummitPilots under way with U.S. retailers
ShelfOptix is currently in pilot programs with several major retailers, including Southeastern Grocers, parent company of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket. In the initial phase, the pilots are focused on helping retailers gain a better understanding of their on-shelf availability (OSA), direct store distribution (DSD) execution, and compliance performance.
“You can’t fix what you can’t see, and in retail, that visibility is the foundation for delivering on our promise to the customer,” said Anthony Hucker, chairman and CEO of Southeastern Grocers. “Our pilot with ShelfOptix has already demonstrated how its managed service, powered by robots, can give us a clear, real-time view of what’s on our shelves, so we can address issues faster and ensure our customers find what they need, every time they shop.” “
“It’s about building trust through consistency and delivering the seamless experience our communities deserve,” he said.
About Driveline Retail
Coppell, Texas-based Driveline Retail provides merchandising services and has a network of over 30,000 stores and 15,000 W-2 associates across the U.S. The company has long-standing relationships with major retailers including Walmart, Dollar General, and Lowe’s, as well as partnerships with leading consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands such as P&G, Kenvue, and Kraft Heinz.
Driveline said it uses proprietary technology to match qualified field associates and project managers to each assignment. The company asserted that it partners closely with clients and puts proven workflows into action to complete projects in days, not weeks.
