The Albertsons Cos. is embracing robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to automate and save costs on ecommerce fulfillment.

The Boise, Idaho-based grocer is partnering with Waltham, Mass.-based grocery technology company Takeoff Technologies to help simplify the online grocery shopping experience through a "hyper-local" automated fulfillment center, which also helps lower order-assembly and last-mile costs. Takeoff's platform lets shoppers place online orders through established retailers, and the automated technology fulfills the orders using robots in micro fulfillment centers.

To be piloted in an existing store, Takeoff's system will be replenished daily – just like shelves – and use Albertsons' existing ecommerce interface, which will deliver orders straight from the customer to the system. Following receipt of the order, the center will save associates' time by employing AI-enabled technology and a system of totes and conveyors, which will deliver products to associates for final preparation.

According to Albertsons, Takeoff has provided certain advantages as a partner that others couldn't, specifically implementation-ready technology, a solution that fits the current supply chain and store footprint, and product-picking flexibility.