UAE- based Phygrid, the Store Digitalization Standard deployed by large retailers in over 50 countries has announced a strategic partnership with VoiceComm, a distributor of mobile device accessories and Microsoft. This collaboration will introduce cutting-edge retail technology solutions to the U.S. market and support over 52,000 retail locations nationwide, embodying the principle of ‘saving the day for customers, saving the sale for the retailer’.

As the retail landscape evolves, in-store shopping is becoming more digital, with retailers integrating advanced tools like AI-driven endless aisles, mobile payments, virtual queuing, and personalized recommendations. This shift is fueled by consumer demand for convenience, seamless online-offline experiences, as well as the need for faster, more efficient service.

The UAE, a leader in retail innovation, has been at the forefront of this digital transformation with interactive digital kiosks and smart fitting rooms to AI-powered customer service solutions. These advancements have set a global benchmark, demonstrating how digitalization is shaping the future of shopping. As U.S. retailers aim to stay competitive, adopting these technologies will be key to meeting the expectations of today’s tech-savvy consumers.

Leveraging Phygrid’s global success and utilizing Microsoft’s Azure cloud technology, VoiceComm will offer retailers access to solutions that drive substantial return on investment through these benefits:

• Increased Revenue: Drive online sales from in-store with AI-powered endless aisle technology.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Reduce wait times with virtual queuing and self-service solutions.
• Operational Efficiency: Streamline operations through digital staff management and smart store systems.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Optimize store performance with deep behavior analytics.

Andreas Hassellöf, CEO of Phygrid, stated, “Thanks to our Microsoft Azure technology collaboration, our technology has transformed retail operations across the globe and we’re excited to now team up with VoiceComm to bring our solutions to the U.S. market. We believe that American retailers are primed to benefit from the seamless integration of online and offline experiences that Phygrid offers. This collaboration represents a significant step in our mission to redefine the future of retail.”

While the partnership focuses on the U.S. market, PhyGrid’s presence in the UAE is also expanding rapidly, with the UAE emerging as a regional leader in retail digitalization. The company’s platform, already used by retailers in the Middle East, offers solutions that align with the UAE’s smart city vision and growing demand for seamless, data-driven customer experiences in retail.

Ryan Weiss, CEO of VoiceComm, added,“In our forward-looking efforts to bring innovation to our customers, we evaluated many vendors for retail solutions, but it became clear that Phygrid is exactly what we were looking for. They focus so much on the strategy, art and science that goes into the customer journey that it makes sense why Microsoft recommends Phygrid to their customers.”

Keith Mercier, Vice President of Retail & Consumer Goods Industries, Microsoft, also noted, “The pace and scale of change happening in the retail industry is unlike anything seen before. The past decade has also seen an explosion of data that retailers are looking to leverage to better serve their customers and their business. At Microsoft, our goal is to empower the retail industry and help them unlock the value of that data through the Microsoft Cloud. With continuous innovation, security, and strong partnerships we can create unique tools and insights our customers need to thrive in today’s dynamic market.”

Yango Robotics, a part of global tech company Yango Group, will present its latest AI-powered warehouse automation solutions at Logimotion 2024 in Dubai on December 10-11. The event will bring together global industry leaders to explore innovations transforming warehousing, supply chains, e-commerce and logistics. Yango Robotics will highlight its range of solutions that boost warehouse efficiency developed to address the growing demands of these industries across the MENA region.

Attendees will have the opportunity to experience live demonstrations of Yango Robotics’ Picker, an AI-driven robot designed to efficiently handle small items, aiding in stock organization, shipment preparation, and versatile tasks like Kitting, Putwall, Induction, and G2P solutions. Seamlessly adaptable to diverse settings, this cutting-edge solution empowers businesses to boost productivity, reduce costs, and streamline operations in fast-paced warehouse environments.

The UAE’s robotics market is expected to reach $360.10 million by 2029, with a growth rate of 11.02% annually. Across the Middle East, the sector is projected to reach $2.84 billion by 2029, highlighting the region’s increasing shift toward automation. This trend reflects the need for faster, more efficient processes in warehousing and logistics, where companies are focused on improving safety, optimizing space, and increasing throughput.

Alexei Filippov, Head of Global Business Development at Yango Robotics, remarked, “Logimotion gives us the chance to demonstrate how our solutions can enhance warehouse operations. Many businesses still rely on manual processes, which can slow operations and raise costs. Our AI-driven robots work alongside human teams, improving order accuracy, reducing repetitive tasks, and helping prevent workplace injuries. Automation is becoming essential for companies to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced supply chain landscape.”

Visitors can experience these innovations firsthand at the Yango Robotics stand Z6-A28 and explore how the technology can be adapted to meet different operational needs. Alexei Filippov, Head of Global Business Development at Yango Robotics, will also take part in a panel discussion, offering expert insights on the future of robotics. Logimotion will also feature over 125 industry experts at events like the Global Trade & Infrastructure Summit and the TransMobility Forum, with discussions on the future of logistics and transportation.

Join Yango Robotics at Logimotion 2024 to see how AI and robotics are reshaping the warehousing and logistics landscape and setting new standards for efficiency and safety.

Qlik has been selected by Accenture to provide critical technology supporting GenWizard, Accenture’s comprehensive generative AI platform. By incorporating a Qlik data integration solution, GenWizard is set to deliver more accurate, timely, and valuable artificial intelligence (AI)-driven insights across various enterprise functions. This announcement was made at AWS re:Invent, Amazon Web Service’s (AWS) annual technology conference in Las Vegas, where Qlik and Accenture showcased their efforts to eliminate barriers to AI adoption.

GenWizard serves as an AI platform for enterprises, helping them scale AI across application management, infrastructure optimization, and software development. The platform enhances productivity, reduces operational costs, and enables smarter decision-making by using generative AI to automate processes and provide actionable insights. Qlik Talend Cloud will underpin GenWizard’s “event fabric,” ensuring seamless data movement across diverse systems to support reliable and responsive AI applications.

“Strong partnerships are the cornerstone of meaningful innovation,” said David Zember, Senior Vice President, WW Channels and Alliances at Qlik. “Our collaboration with Accenture highlights how trusted relationships drive transformational outcomes for customers. By combining Qlik’s real-time data integration capabilities with Accenture’s GenWizard platform, we’re enabling enterprises to scale AI initiatives and realize the full potential of their data. Together, we are reducing complexity, enhancing agility, and paving the way for AI success.”

Qlik Talend Cloud is supporting GenWizard’s core value through:

• Real-Time Data Integration: Continuous data synchronization ensures that GenWizard maintains a real-time environment, essential for accurate AI predictions and insights. By reducing latency, the platform allows faster, more reliable decision-making across various enterprise functions​.
• Scalable, Flexible Architecture: Qlik’s technology integrates seamlessly across cloud and on-premises systems, enabling GenWizard to scale effortlessly across different environments. This adaptability is crucial for enterprises managing complex, evolving data environments​.
• Data Integrity and Security: Trusted data validation and security measures ensure that data processed by GenWizard is accurate, consistent, and compliant. This reliability is a key component in building trust in AI-generated outputs and maintaining data quality throughout the AI pipeline.

Accenture’s GenWizard has been designed to help businesses harness the full potential of generative AI, integrating various use cases such as software modernization, infrastructure management, and enhanced data insights. For these AI applications to be effective, a sound data foundation is crucial. Qlik Replicate, part of Qlik Talend Cloud, solution streamlines data replication and ingestion, ensuring GenWizard can draw from a consistent, high-quality data pool across different sources.

Accenture and Qlik showcased the integration of Qlik’s data solutions with GenWizard at AWS re:Invent on December 2, 2024, 4:00 PM at the MGM Grand, Chairmans 366. In a session, titled “Eliminating AI Adoption Barriers: Moving From Hype to Empiric Success,” speakers from both companies shared insights on building real-time AI data pipelines, creating trusted data foundations, and optimizing AI outputs. Attendees had the opportunity to learn practical approaches to leveraging AI across their enterprises.