According to the post, the tariffs would be lifted, albeit temporarily, on all countries but China. That sent stocks surging, yet that was only temporary. After the White House called the reports “fake news,” the surge turned to a purge, and the market closed down on Monday afternoon.

Part of the problem is that supposedly trusted accounts shared the rumors, while other “verified” accounts picked up on the news. As NPR explained, “Not long after, news organizations including Reuters and CNBC reported the unsubstantiated claim.

This isn’t an isolated case, and experts have warned that investors should not put faith in a single post made on social media as being a sound stock market tip.

In November 2015, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy issued an “Investor Alert” to warn investors about fraudsters who may attempt to manipulate share prices by using social media to spread false or misleading information about stock

Too Much Trust In A Single Post

This latest wild ride on the markets also highlights the fact that there is too much trust in posts on social media, even when it really shouldn’t be that hard to confirm. This may have also been coupled with wishful thinking among those who may have seen their portfolios take a major hit.

“In this atmosphere, it’s easy for the forces of hope, despair, or even devastation to converge with misinformation,” explained technology industry analyst Susan Schreiner of C4 Trends.

“It demonstrates how volatile the current economic situation has become, given that the posts originated from an unconfirmed statement first spread on X. This erroneous information then reached CNBC and Reuters, spreading across social media platforms like wildfire,” added Schreiner. “Although unverified, the positive headline was quickly absorbed by investors, many of whom use algorithmic software to analyze information for buy or sell signals, causing stocks to soar and reversing an earlier massive sell-off. The move resulted in trillions in gains in stock market value in a matter of minutes.”

And Too Much Influence From Posts From Strangers

Few would likely trust a random comment from a stranger made on the street. Yet, that isn’t often the case on social media, where a legitimate sounding account – in this case Walter Bloomberg – posts a headline that is taken as gospel by other users.

This isn’t limited to stocks either.

“Social media has a significant impact on users, especially those who spend enough time on these platforms. That impact can be measured in choices users make in other aspects of their lives, including stock market decisions. We have been seeing this phenomenon in real time. Although there are a variety of reasons why the stock market is performing so poorly, social media platforms are wild cards that should not be ignored,” said Dr. Julianna Kirschner, lecturer in the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California.

“In the current environment, there’s a lot of fear and uncertainty. It would seem that people in the financial and investment community were living in ‘hope-ville,'” added Schreiner.

All too often, misinformation and disinformation can run rampant on social media, as it allows rumors to also grow legs more than they would otherwise.

“Users primed for the rumor’s message will assist in its spread,” added Kirschner.

Moreover, even those who disagree with the premise and engage with the rumor-based content may do more harm than good, because such posts can serve as rage bait for them warned Kirschner. The negativity can in turn make some who were skeptical believe it because the original poster came under attack.

“The fact is that users will engage with exploitative content like this because they feel compelled to respond one way or another,” Kirschner continued. “Social media users who spend time on these platforms frequently tend to engage more often. No matter how surface-level these measures might be, likes, shares, and comments are currency in social media spaces. When rumors like those regarding the stock market flourish on social media – through likes, shares, and comments – more users will be exposed to the content, and the spread continues. Around and around we go.”

Taking Stock – Or Taking Stocks Down

In the case of misinformation about stocks, it can create wild shifts in a way that hasn’t been seen before. That a single unvetted post created such a surge is notable, and it is possible some people made money while others lost their proverbial shirt!

“The stock market is ultimately dependent on the social and cultural discourse of the time. When that discourse is fractured, as we can see in social media, the stock market will suffer as well,” said Kirschner. “The stock market is only catching up to some of the issues that have been present on social media for years.”

The White House’s quick dismissal of it being “Fake News” also didn’t help matters, and it only sent the stocks plunging. And that may be a reminder that there is a vast difference between free speech and the truth, and that the latter is subject to interpretation.

“Those who believe in the truth should be concerned that this was an example of positive news giving hope to those in despair, and justification through conspiracy purveyors that there’s positive news from moving markets despite the pain or crashing the world’s greatest economy,” said Schreiner.

“Watching the rumors and the stock market’s attendant reaction to those online rumors is like watching a herd of sheep responding to stimuli unavailable to the human ear,” warned Susan Campbell, distinguished lecturer in the Communication, Film and Media Studies Department at the University of New Haven. “This is one of those cases, I think, where our love of freedom of speech is not equaled by our love of accurate speech.”

“As generative AI broke on the scene, everyone was speculating about where the first real harms would come. And I think we have the answer,” the Biden administration’s chief science adviser Arati Prabhakar, director of the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy told The Associated Press in May.

The call from the White House came even before it was reported in June that deepfake porn production increased 464% last year.

TAKE IT DOWN ACT – GOOD FIRST STEP

Lawmakers have introduced legislation that could hold online platforms accountable for the publishing and distribution of nonconsensual AI images that contain the faces of real individuals.

The Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks (TAKE IT DOWN) Act would criminalize the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including AI-generated NCII – deepfake pornography – while it requires social media and similar websites to have in place procedures to remove such content upon notification from a victim.

“The Take it Down Act is a step in the right direction, and more will need to be done. Despite the existence of laws in nearly every state to protect against NCII, the effectiveness of these laws varies significantly,” explained Theresa Payton, founder and CEO of cybersecurity provider Fortalice Solutions.

“The inconsistency leads to the victim suffering mental anguish as the imagery propagates nearly unabated,” Payton told ClearanceJobs. “The burden lies squarely on the victim’s shoulders and social media platforms require laborious, tedious processes for victims to remove harmful images from the internet, perpetuating their trauma.”

LAYERS OF LEGISLATION COULD BE REQUIRED

Several states have also adopted legislation that could criminalize the publishing of such content, but lawmakers are struggling to keep up with advances in the technology.

“More needs to be done rather than relying on other federal laws that may address some of the conduct surrounding these crimes.  There needs to be greater clarity as AI technology continues to evolve, making it easier to create revenge porn,” suggested technology industry analyst Susan Schreiner of C4 Trends.

“Bills are advancing in several states such as Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, and Ohio.  While, several bills have been introduced in Congress, including the AI Labeling Act of 2023 and the DEFIANCE Act of 2024, neither has moved out of committee,” Schreiner told ClearanceJobs.

She further suggested that the popularity of singer Taylor Swift might finally move the needle. The spread of fabricated sexually explicit images of the pop star had been seen as a catalyst for greater policy action at the federal level.

“Given current politics and polarization that might be overly optimistic,” Schreiner continued.

GOING AFTER THE PUBLISHERS

The technology to create convincing deepfakes isn’t likely to go away, so instead, it may be necessary to combat the publishing of the content.

“Technology platforms and hosts should not allow the distribution of NCII,” said Payton. “They should be required to deploy automatic detection, removal, and blocking. Each technology platform would ideally have a governance committee that oversees the number of reported incidents and the average time to resolution. This should be required reporting to the public.”

This may not entirely curtain it, but it could be an important step in the right direction.

“When imagery slips through the automated detection and removal, the platforms should be required to provide a case number to the victim and if the situation is prolonged, access to a contact center and a case manager to ensure that the images are removed completely,” added Payton.

“The worst offenders, such as adult imagery hosts, use the law to their advantage to make takedowns extremely drawn out and costly for the victim,” Payton continued. “The new law should be explicit and include severe penalties for non-compliance.”

Even worse, the FDD suggested that those in charge at the command may lack the necessary skills to lead the force of cyber warriors.

“In the U.S. military, an officer who had never fired a rifle would never command an infantry unit. Yet officers with no experience behind a keyboard are commanding cyber warfare units. This mismatch stems from the U.S. military’s failure to recruit, train, promote, and retain talented cyber warriors,” wrote retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery and Dr. Erica Lonergan from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs in the FDD report.

It called for the creation of a new independent armed service — a U.S. Cyber Force — alongside the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force. Such a force doesn’t need to be as sizable as the U.S. Army or States Navy, at least not initially. Instead, it could begin as a far leaner force, akin to the United States Marine Corps or United States Space Force, about 10,000 strong.

“As the Space Force has shown, a smaller service can be more selective and agile in recruiting skilled personnel,” the FDD report further explained.

THE ARMY COULD LEAD THE WAY

In their report, Montgomery and Lonergan also called for placing any new Cyber Force within the Department of the Army – much like how the U.S. Marine Corps is in the Department of the Navy, while the U.S. Space Force is in the Department of the Air Force.

Once established, this would see that each military department would lead two service branches – as the U.S. Coast Guard is now within the Department of Homeland Security and outside the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) larger umbrella.

One issue might be that any Cyber Force billets would draw from the 133 teams currently spread across all the services that conduct everyday cyberspace operations. Moreover, the authors noted that a CYBERCOM could be treated much more like the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), which also draws forces from across the services and has some of its own acquisition authorities. But they also addressed the fact that SOCOM and CYBERCOM have stark differences.

“In the SOCOM model, each of the services provides the force employer — SOCOM — with expert personnel who possess skills suited to their particular domain. For instance, an Army Ranger trains for special operations on land, while Navy SEALs possess skills tailored to maritime special operations. Rangers and SEALs are not interchangeable. The Army cannot train SEALS, nor the Navy Rangers. Thus, SOCOM actually gains strength from this one-of-a-kind distributed force-generation model,” the report noted.

Citing a U.S. Navy captain, the authors suggested that SOCOM’s “Success is achieved by allowing each of the service-specific commands to specialize in discrete types of warfare, technologies, and operational environments” while “Cyberattacks will not be, nor are they currently, service-specific nor sector-specific, so it does not make sense to have created service-specific mission teams, different designators, MOSs, etc., to respond to the broad scale of cyberattacks.”

ADDRESSING THE CYBER THREAT

The cyber threat isn’t going to go away, and just as Space Force will serve to protect the domain of outer space, a Cyber Force could protect cyberspace.

“Headlines are filled with vulnerabilities to our infrastructure and power grids – as well as security breaches or ransom attacks,” said Susan Schreiner, analyst at C4 Trends. “While the call for a cyber force sounds like Star Wars – it may not be that far-fetched.”

That could be true given that a few years ago, Space Force may have sounded like something out of Star Trek.

“With AI, it’s also likely that more nefarious actors will emerge, and take a wrecking ball to our personal data as well as adversaries, resulting in unfathomable damage and destruction,” Schreiner told ClearanceJobs. “Science fiction might be paving the way for companies, regions, and countries to think more expansively, cooperatively, and differently as new tools and approaches need to be developed to tackle, and more effectively manage the threats posed by the increasing complexity and multi-facets to our security, privacy and safety.”

AI NOT PEOPLE FOCUSED

Though a Cyber Force remains hypothetical, there is the opinion that perhaps it is looking at the problem incorrectly, as well as a possible solution.

Instead of a 10,000-strong force, technology industry analyst Rob Enderle of the Enderle Group told ClearanceJobs, “While it is clear we need a much stronger Cyber Force, the focus, given the timing, should be on spinning up AI-driven defenses not people. People just can’t react quickly enough to modern threats without substantial AI support and more people, without adequate AI assistance, would likely just get in each other’s way and not provide better protection.”

The fact also remains that enterprises can barely fill the current cybersecurity openings, so creating and then growing a Cyber Force could present challenges. The result could be exactly what the FDD reports said should be avoided.

“This should be a quality over quantity effort and even finding 10,000 qualified people would be problematic in the current market let alone 10 tech folks who work well with others and like doing security work,” added Enderle. “So, I agree, we need a much stronger cyber force, but I think much of it should be staffed by AIs, and AI human teams, otherwise it will be incapable of doing what needs to be done. “

“GSA Office of Digital Infrastructure Technologies (IDT) employees misled a contracting officer with egregiously flawed information to acquire 150 Chinese-made, TAA-noncompliant videoconference cameras. Before completing the purchase, the contracting officer requested information from GSA IDT to justify its request for the TAA-noncompliant cameras, including the existence of TAA-compliant alternatives and the reason for needing this specific brand. In response, GSA IDT provided misleading market research in support of the TAA-noncompliant cameras and failed to disclose that comparable TAA-compliant alternatives were available,” the Office of the Inspector General announced last week.

It further warned that the TAA-noncompliant cameras have known security vulnerabilities that need to be addressed with a software update. The IG has recommended that the GSA no longer purchase TAA-noncompliant cameras if there are TAA-compliant cameras that meet the Agency’s requirements, and that the already-purchased cameras be returned or otherwise disposed of. It also recommended that IT equipment be updated in a “timely manner” to reduce any overlooked identified vulnerabilities.

THE DAMAGE IS DONE

The audit by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. General Service Administration highlights how easily such technology can be employed.

“The GSA’s procurement of unauthorized Chinese-made cameras with known vulnerabilities is certainly a matter of concern, echoing similar apprehensions we’ve had in the past about other technology products, such as drones, from China,” warned Andrew Borene, executive director for global security at threat intelligence researcher Flashpoint.

“These cameras, like any technology that connects to IT systems, can become a potential vector for espionage, malware, or maintaining a persistent presence in federal networks,” Borene told ClearanceJobs via an email. “The PRC’s Communist government has passed a number of increasingly totalitarian laws mandating that all Chinese corporations share information with the government for national security purposes. This creates an inherent risk when using their manufactured technology in sensitive environments.”

Given the PRC’s history of espionage, and the increasingly intertwined relationship between the state and private enterprises, the use of these cameras in federal settings poses a significant risk, not just due to their known vulnerabilities, but also due to the potential for hidden backdoors or other compromised elements in their hardware or software, Borene further explained.

BETTER DUE DILIGENCE REQUIRED

The audit’s findings also come just weeks after following the International CES trade show was held in Las Vegas. The show highlights how products are produced around the world. What is less obvious is that even those devices made in countries that are compliant with the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 could include components from around the world.

“Security is on the radar of individuals, companies and governments. Almost daily, we hear about yet another cyberthreat to one’s personal data and security,” explained Susan Schreiner, technology industry analyst at C4 Trends.

“Given the sensitivities of these times, it’s actually difficult to comprehend how the GSA could have purchased Chinese video conferencing systems,” Schreiner told ClearanceJobs. “Obviously, extreme and sweeping safeguards in purchasing decision systems needs to be put in place with severe penalties and consequences, so that something like this won’t ever re-occur. We’re living in an increasingly tumultuous world with unscrupulous actors on the world stage, and they are looking for ways to gain political advantage, instill fear, and disrupt the world order through nefarious means.  The security vulnerabilities in video conferencing equipment could have tremendous national security implications.”

It isn’t just videoconferencing equipment that is of concern. This is why the U.S. has banned many computer-related products of Chinese origin in the government sector. The problem is that many smaller firms may not know or understand the risk.

“The prevalence of unauthorized Chinese-made technologies in government agencies, despite known risks, is a multifaceted issue. One primary factor is China’s dominance in manufacturing and global supply chains, making their products readily available and often more cost-effective,” said Borene.

However, this convenience certainly comes with heightened risks, especially when considering critical infrastructure and national security.

“The challenge in keeping these products out of federal networks lies in the complexity of supply chains and the difficulty in thoroughly vetting every component for security risks,” Borene continued. “The PRC’s significant role in technology production, combined with its aggressive espionage tactics, necessitates a more cautious approach. The focus should not only be on direct components but also on an extensive evaluation of the entire supply chain, acknowledging the -nth party risks.”

The 19-year-old driver has been charged with reckless driving as well as an additional charge of assault by vehicle.

The instantly life-changing moment was recorded and shared on social media, where it has become the latest thrill-seeking video to go viral. It was first posted by @CatchUpFeed on X—the social media platform formerly known as Twitter—which regularly posts “tasty news, culture, memes, viral videos and commentary.”

The short video clip has since been shared and reposted, garnering over 10 million views in total. Although it shows that bystanders reacted quickly and attempted to save a teenager who was pinned beneath the SUV after it landed on its side, this is the latest of such “accident” videos.

Susan Schreiner suggests, “These are frightening and senseless times, and it’s constantly available on TV or social media screens. Smartphones with cameras are in everyone’s pocket, and becoming a ‘reality-TV’ celebrity through a viral video has never been easier.” It hasn’t been easy.” Technology and Social Media Analyst at C4 Trends.

Schreiner added, “The video of the recent Colorado crash that went viral on social media shows how society has reached new lows.” “Although each generation has its unruly kids and daredevils – these daring crash videos are the equivalent of ‘snuff videos’ – except with potentially more dangerous consequences.”

Show off or die trying!

To quote ABC’s tagline, it appears that many viewers are more interested in the “pain of defeat” than the “thrill of victory.” wide world of games, Video of a car doing donuts in a parking lot, even with kids hanging out the window, likely won’t be picked up by news outlets across the country, nor will it get millions of views.

Add in the horrific accident, and the view counters have worked overtime.

“There will always be people who want to show off in cars, and now they can reach new levels of notoriety on social media,” said Susan Campbell, distinguished lecturer in the department of communication, film and media studies at the University of New Haven.

Campbell further said, “The videos I’ve seen of street occupations follow a pattern of uncontrolled and more and more bizarre attempts to attract attention. And then you look for roll-overs.” “Why? I would say sharing these videos is a big part of the problem. Let law enforcement do their job and stop sharing these. Just because you have a video doesn’t mean you have to share it.” will be.”

The question may also be asked as to why platforms allow such videos to be shared in the first place – especially when it is very possible that someone may have died. At what point do social media companies have responsibility?

“Is there a possibility that with the help of AI, an algorithm could be created that limits the posting of these types of accidents or other types of violence,” Schreiner pondered. “While possible, it is unlikely to appeal to First Amendment rights advocates.”

Perhaps a start would be by creating more robust disclaimers for social media platforms, focusing on its consequences, how it ended or its current state – possibly including whether someone went to jail, was paralyzed or In some cases he was even killed. ,

“Young people have new role models and heroes. Instead of mom or dad – it’s the person they see on the screen, including social media influencers, peers, bullies, or other ‘adults’ who foster distrust and “Speech hatred, and inflame grievances,” warned Schreiner. “During this holiday season, social media can be a force for good, so let’s come together and explore how it can be used to foster greater social responsibility, personal accountability, and find new ways to rekindle kindness and truth. How can it be done for!”

The use of these services continues as some employers believe it is better for communication, and it ensures that those working remotely aren’t playing solitaire or browsing on Amazon during a conference call. Despite the benefits of Zoom, and other services, it often lacks a person-to-person connection.

This is where holographic technology could further bridge great distances but allow for greater connectivity between parties. While it could be decades before the technology is commonplace, we could be inching closer to what has largely only been seen in the domain of science fiction.

Just as holographic “Jedi” and other characters could sit around a conference table in the world of Star Wars, soon world leaders could be meeting “face-to-face” via holograms.

“During the pandemic,  Zoom and FaceTime accelerated the recognition that better and more authentic granular communications tools are needed,” said Susan Schreiner, senior editor/analyst at C4 Trends. “Holograms are now seen as a futuristic panacea for Zoom fatigue in the workplace.”

HOLOPRESENCE TAKING SHAPE

John C. Morning, vice president of global military and defense at ARHT Media – developer of holographic technology – told ClearanceJobs that we shouldn’t see its Holopresence as a step forward, however; rather he said it should be more accurately described as a leap.

“Using holographic technology for communications, for meetings, or any other situation where being there in person is important, but the impact of being there as a hologram cannot be understated,” explained Morning. “Holographic presence increases the impact of meetings. It allows full engagement and makes a lasting impression equals recession to all involved. This is literally the future that we are bringing today!”

BETTER READ OF THE ROOM

Already there is a concern when world leaders are talking on the phone – and can’t meet in person – that certain nuances can be misunderstood. Even in person, a lot could be “lost in translation,” and we only need to imagine how Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev’s apparent threat to Western diplomats, “We will bury you,” could be even more misperceived.

Given increasing tensions, there can often be little room for such misunderstandings, yet the ability to read “body language” and “facial expressions” isn’t possible on a phone call, and barely so on Zoom.

“Being able to not only see people in a holographic environment, see their body language but for the person appearing as a hologram to be able to interact and see the audience adds an entirely new dimension,” Morning continued.

“Being able to not only see people in a holographic environment, see their body language but for the person appearing as a hologram to be able to interact and see the audience adds an entirely new dimension,” Morning continued.

“In the realm of diplomacy, military and other governmental interactions between world leaders – holographic technologies hold profound implications for war, compromise or peace,” added Schreiner.

“Holograms give remote interactions a more natural feel than standard team video calls, where people talk at the same time by accident and participants can’t see body language cues,” she told ClearanceJobs. “Imagine the significance for government officials to remotely  see, sense and hear, and get a full 360 view of their counterpart’s environment and the accompanying people – as if they were in the same room, sharing the same space.”

This could also ensure that leaders aren’t wasting time flying around the world to meet one another, yet can still engage in a more meaningful way that VoIP might allow.

“Using holograms in communications is the next natural step,” suggested telecommunications industry analyst Jeff Kagan.

“We’ve seen this illustrated in movies like Marvel’s Avengers. The reason world leaders get together for a conference is the personal and private communications they can have with each other off the radar,” Kagan told ClearanceJobs.

ADDRESSING THE DOWNSIDE

This isn’t to say that all holographic technology will be immediately embraced. Moreover, it may not always be the most ideal solution.

“Virtual holograms may be the next natural step in communications, but it doesn’t deliver the isolated privacy which is just as important to world leaders or CEOs strategizing their next move,” Kagan added. “Like every advancement, it’s not perfect.”

There is another issue that will also need to be addressed, namely the worry of “Deep Fakes,” which already makes many question anything that appears in the form of a video.

“Holograms would convey much more depth in a conversation but they could, if misused, also create far stronger fake impressions of the people and particularly the objectives and priorities,” warned technology industry analyst Rob Enderle of the Enderle Group.

“Now it would be most useful where people who don’t trust each other are interacting and it does provide options where you could creatively use Deep Fake-like technology to improve your image, to make you look subtly more like those you are talking to, and to obfuscate any inadvertent behaviors that could reduce trust – like taking out eye rolls when you hear something that you think is stupid or wrong which would create unintended animosity,” Enderle told ClearanceJobs.

There is also the issue of bandwidth, and how lag can make a video call more frustrating than static on a phone call.

“This technology is resource intensive, you need bandwidth and you need some kind of interface typically an AR or VR headset and we still don’t have occlusion fixed with AR headsets and the HoloLens effort is getting a lot of pushback from the military at the moment and it is one of the best,” explained Enderle. “So assuring enough bandwidth and hardware that will be acceptable in the field would still need to be sorted. But, there is a lot of potential if it were done right, we just aren’t yet at a point where I think it can be done right where it would be most useful and we’d particularly need some kind of Deep Fake defense.”

VIRTUAL INSTRUCTORS

Of course, communication with holograms is just one part of how the technology could be employed. There are other opportunities for it to truly enhance the way the military can engage in training.

This is already beginning with augmented reality headsets, but holographic technology could be accomplished in a specialized room where the headsets that Enderle suggests may not be as necessary.

“Communications with holographic technology is a VERY small part of what we bring to the military environment,” said Morning. “The ability to teach courses at multiple locations at once, or recording standardized courses and providing a fully engaging experience, at a fraction of the cost, while increasing access cannot be understated.”

It could allow senior leaders to “beam in” the morning of a meeting, and using the same system could be recorded and utilized for future training.

“The medical unit can beam in a specialist on some new medical procedure, and teach the course at multiple locations at once,” added Morning. “Then, the maintenance tech can use the systems 3D models to teach a course on a new system that is being fielded using the touch screen capability to essentially explode the system and teach the details before the new technology is even fielded.”

What once seemed like sci-fi tech could be normal stuff in the coming decade, but it wasn’t all that long ago that video conferencing was something that only existed in movies and TV shows.

Retailers are responding by leveraging artificial intelligence with sensors, automation, machine vision, beacons, voicebots and AR/VR to create new in-store experiences. Robots are found across the retail ecosystem from warehousing to delivery to automated inventory of merchandise. The goal is to make shopping more convenient, experiential and personalized to improve customer engagement.

The New Salesperson

Imagine being greeted by a humanoid robot in a store who provides directions, answers questions and hands out samples. SoftBank’s humanoid robot Pepper is a powerful touchpoint for creating more personalized in-store experiences. Pepper can also play music, light up, dance and take selfies with shoppers.

While Pepper is popular in Japan, SoftBank wants to bring Pepper to America. In a 2016 pilot at a Palo Alto tech shop (B8ta), the retail store claimed a 70% increase in traffic during the week Pepper worked there. A second pilot at a Santa Monica retail outlet claimed a 13% revenue increase. Shopper’s curiosity about Pepper, along with its responsiveness and engagement, made for a memorable in-store experience. Robots can also help to alleviate consumer frustration by helping them easily find a product.

Home improvement retailer Lowe’s Innovation Lab has experimented with the LoweBot from Fellow Robot — a rolling kiosk where consumers can look up products and other information. In a collaboration with Google, it also has experimented with a GPS-style navigation app to help customers find merchandise using detailed floor maps.

Using Robots to Manage Stores

Robots help stores manage inventory, restock shelves, address worker shortages and automatically manage logistics. Target is working with Simbe Robotics’ Tally robot to track product inventory on shelves. Meanwhile, Walmart is shifting more mundane tasks to robots to maximize time associates can engage with customers by adding 300 new shelf scanners, aka “Auto-S” to roam the aisles to ensure product availability, correct shelf location and price accuracy.

Walmart is also pioneering new robotic technologies with Bossa Nova Robotics. This “friendly” robot has a small display screen and lighting on its small body. Walmart plans to continue to use automation to build on the chain’s omnichannel initiatives by adding 900 automated pickup towers.

Automating Tasks

Amazon’s fleet of nearly 45,000 robots fulfill orders at its warehouses. Walmart’s commitment to automation extends throughout its ecosystem. It ordered 1,200 FAST Unloaders that automatically scan, and sort items unloaded from trucks based on priority and department. Data sharing between the shelf scanner and the FAST Unloader allows for inventory to efficiently move to the sales floor.

Recently, Best Buy decreased shipping time by three days after overhauling three strategically located regional e-commerce fulfillment centers in San Francisco, Atlanta and Findlay, Ohio, by adding bins and robots. Best Buy worked with logistics system integrator Bastian Solutions and AutoStore — a storage system in which bins are vertically stacked in a grid and retrieved by robots. The process took 12 months to implement.