Workshop by German Research Center

On the 27th of June, TEAM4Excellence participated in the Ideas & Future Workshop as part of the INAIR project, hosted by German Research Center’s Innovative Retail Lab (IRL). Held online, this transformative session brought together project partners to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the retail industry. Moderated by an expert from DFKI, the workshop offered participants a forward-looking perspective on AI’s potential to revolutionise the sector.

The event opened with an introduction to DFKI and its Innovative Retail Lab. The facilitator highlighted the lab’s services, which address complex retail challenges using advanced AI solutions. These include Research, Research as a Service, Prototyping and Transfer, Workshops and Training, and Technology Scouting.

Next, the discussion explored key drivers for adopting AI in retail. These include product assortment and inventory optimisation, where AI streamlines supply chains and overcomes stock management issues. The importance of resilient supply chains was emphasised, showing how AI mitigates disruptions, ensures continuity, and enhances efficiency. Automation and AI were also presented as scalable solutions for addressing labour shortages.

The session continued with practical applications of AI in retail. Various technologies were showcased, including smart glasses, electronic shelf labels, and AI-enabled cameras, all aimed at enhancing in-store navigation and customer experiences. Gamification solutions introduced innovative approaches to customer engagement, while RFID-enabled smart zones demonstrated streamlined checkout processes. Furthermore, AI-driven data collection and analytics were explained, illustrating how customer paths can be captured using cameras to build machine learning models for predictions and personalised suggestions.

The workshop concluded with a summary of AI’s transformative impact on retail. Participants gained a deeper understanding of how AI can create smarter, more engaging, and efficient shopping environments.