Kroger teams up with Nvidia to build AI lab

The Kroger Co. plans to create an artificial intelligence (AI) lab and demonstration center in its Cincinnati headquarters under a collaboration with graphics chip pioneer Nvidia.

Santa Clara, Calif.-based Nvidia, which also specializes in accelerated computing and AI technologies, said yesterday that the lab will help further Kroger’s freshness initiatives, improve shipping logistics and enhance the in-store shopping experience.

Specifically, the companies will explore how the latter’s technology can identify early indicators of diminishing freshness via computer vision and analytics as well as leverage dynamic routing for last-mile delivery to maintain product freshness “from farm to plate,” according to Nvidia. The partnership also aims to sharpen store efficiency and processes through the use of digital twin store simulations, which are virtual models designed to reflect store layouts and other operations.

“Our collaboration with Nvidia supports Kroger’s ‘Fresh for Everyone’ commitment,” Wesley Rhodes, vice president of technology transformation and R&D at Kroger. “We look forward to learning more about how AI and data analytics will further our journey to provide our customers with anything, anytime, anywhere.”

Nvidia said the lab at Kroger’s HQ will employ the Nvidia AI Enterprise software suite for retail, Nvidia Omniverse Enterprise to build digital twin simulations and Nvidia cuOpt to assess logistics optimizations. Plans call for the initial installation to use nine Nvidia DGX A100 AI systems, Nvidia InfiniBand networking and Nvidia RTX workstations to collect actionable insights on the Kroger’s approximately 2,800 stores.

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“Nvidia and Kroger’s collaboration on AI and digital twins will further expand Kroger’s digital technology leadership,” according to Azita Martin, vice president and general manager of retail at Nvidia. “Kroger already is delivering excellent customer experiences in stores and providing fast home delivery. With Nvidia AI, shoppers gain more personalized experiences in physical stores and online.”

The nation’s largest supermarket retailer, Kroger operates grocery and multi-department stores in 35 states under more than 20 banners, including Kroger, Ralphs, Dillons, Smith’s, King Soopers, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, QFC, City Market, Owen’s, Jay C, Pay Less, Baker’s, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market, Mariano’s, Food 4 Less and Foods Co.