In a Thuringian "Tante Emma" store, only a robot sells
A "Tante Emma" store in Jena wants to dispense goods via a robot system. No staff is needed. This allows customers to shop around the clock.
Behind the inconspicuous facade of "Tante Zukunft" lies robot-based shopping.
(Image: Tante Zukunft)
Three young entrepreneurs from Thuringia want to open a small supermarket in Jena called “Tante Zukunft” (Aunt Future), where a robot exclusively assembles ordered goods in a warehouse and dispenses them to customers through a flap. The store is open around the clock and is intended to ensure local supply outside opening hours. It is scheduled to open on February 27.
“Tante Zukunft” operates entirely without staff, but is still open 24/7. Behind it is a high-bay robot system that currently collects around 180 different products from a small warehouse, which can be ordered via terminals. The range of goods, which extends from sweets and frozen products to drinks and general everyday groceries, is to be expanded to 250 to 300 products, writes the MDR.
Anyone who wants to can also suggest products via the “Tante Zukunft” website, which may then be included in the range. Users can vote on new items. Overall, the offering is thus geared towards which goods are potentially sold most frequently. However, the three founders also rely on regional products, for example from a local butcher.
Order at the terminal, via app and website
The order is entered via a terminal on site, where the goods are also dispensed. How the robot works can be observed through windows. Alternatively, goods can also be ordered via a smartphone app, like UberEats, and via the “Tante Zukunft” website. Pickup is at two terminals on site. Payment is exclusively digital.
The investments for the robot system are expected to amount to 120,000 euros, which the three founders have financed themselves through loans.
The system is currently still being tested. However, the opening is scheduled for February 27. From then on, “Tante Zukunft” is to enable robot-based local supply around the Holzmark location in Jena.
(olb)
