In 2025, physical stores are entering a new era. The convergence of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and electronic shelf labels (ESL) is driving a profound transformation in operations, customer experience, and in-store data management.
At JRTech Solutions, we witness every day how these combined technologies are redefining retail standards. As Pricer’s main partner in North America, we are at the heart of this revolution. Here’s how this technological trio is already reshaping the stores of tomorrow.
Growing Pressure on In-Store Operations
Retailers today face multiple simultaneous challenges: reducing costs, improving the customer experience, managing inventory efficiently, and meeting sustainability requirements.
Traditional solutions are no longer enough. The adoption of automation, AI, and connected systems has become essential to remain competitive.
Artificial Intelligence to Optimize Every Decision
AI in retail is no longer limited to product recommendations or promotion management. It is now embedded deep within store operations, particularly through management platforms connected to electronic shelf labels.
Pricer’s ESLs, used in over 70 countries, allow real-time price updates while serving as gateways to valuable data: tracking out-of-stocks, stock alerts, and dynamic price adjustments based on demand or competition.
By integrating predictive algorithms, ESLs become true decision-making sensors. You’re no longer just displaying prices, you’re optimizing your margins in real time.
Robotics Supporting Daily Store Operations
In 2024, JRTech formed a strategic partnership with Brain Corp, the global leader in autonomous robotics for commercial environments. The goal: to deploy robots across Canada capable of scanning shelves, detecting facing errors, and identifying missing or mislabeled products.
The collected data is then synchronized with the Pricer ESL system, automatically triggering actions such as price adjustments, restock requests, information updates, or alerts.
This synergy between robotics and ESLs provides several key benefits:
- Improved product availability,
- Fewer out-of-stocks,
- Reduced manual tasks,
- Real-time, end-to-end inventory visibility.
As a result, in-store teams can focus on higher-value activities; such as customer service and enhancing the in-aisle experience.
ESL: Electronic Labels as the Foundation of Innovation
Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) are much more than digital price displays. They form the foundation of a connected store. Linked in real time to your internal systems, they keep all information accurate and consistent while allowing instant updates.
For your teams, this means the end of time-consuming manual price changes. For your customers, it ensures clear, precise, and always up-to-date pricing. Beyond that, ESLs open the door to new possibilities such as product geolocation, dynamic promotions, and integration with mobile applications.
When Robotics, AI, and ESL Work Together
Individually, each of these technologies already improves performance. But together, they drive a true revolution.
- Robotics continuously collects on-site data,
- AI analyzes this information to anticipate needs,
- ESLs translate these insights directly in-store, through real-time price updates and clear messages to customers.
This trio creates a virtuous cycle that optimizes operations, reduces costs, and enhances the overall in-store experience.
Sustainable Benefits for the Retail Industry
Beyond productivity and operational agility, the combination of robotics, AI, and ESL technology helps address key sustainability challenges:
- Reduced paper printing
- Less waste from labeling errors
- Display of environmental data (such as local origin, carbon footprint, and certifications).
According to a NielsenIQ study, nearly 50% of consumers consider environmental commitments a decisive factor in their purchasing decisions. ESLs have become a tangible way to bring that responsibility to life at the point of sale.
Toward an Augmented Vision of the Store
In the future, electronic shelf labels will display much more than just prices. Combined with augmented reality, geomarketing, or purchase history, they will be able to deliver contextual information tailored to each customer profile.
From simple static displays, they will evolve into dynamic, connected, and intelligent interfaces at the very heart of the phygital shopping experience.
A Trio Redefining the Future of Retail
The convergence of robotics, AI, and ESL is no longer a vision of the future; it is already happening in stores across North America. As the leading ESL integrator in the region, JRTech Solutions is driving this transformation with reliable, scalable, and future-ready technology.
Are you a retailer, manufacturer, or technology buyer? Let’s discuss the next step in your store’s digital transformation.
