Badger Technologies is working with AT&T to enable autonomous robots with 5G wireless networking capabilities to accelerate retail automation.

According to Badger Technologies, its robots give retailers the ability to identify out-of-stock, mispriced or misplaced inventory, as well as store hazards, which ultimately helps improve operational efficiencies and customer experiences.

While these “advanced mobile data collection systems” can “fill major gaps in the collection and sharing of vital in-store data and images,” Badger Technologies says, they can also take a toll on a store’s existing Wi-Fi network.

With this in mind, the AT&T Foundry is testing 5G connectivity with Badger Technologies’ robots in a multi-access edge computing (MEC) environment, in an effort to better enable “seamless, uninterrupted network connectivity.”

The goal is to showcase how 5G using millimeter wave spectrum and edge computing could provide Badger Technologies and retailers with the lower latency and high throughput required to process and share large amounts of data, while simultaneously running with other in-store network applications.

“5G is an important next step to helping ensure shared visibility across critical inventory, POS and operational systems,” says Tim Rowland, CEO of Badger Technologies.

“Working with AT&T enables us to better support our retail customers by delivering information faster to increase store efficiencies, improve customer service and boost profits.”

By providing a more private network connection than typically associated with in-store Wi-Fi, AT&T’s multi-access edge computing technologies could also help Badger Technologies increase hyper-local data processing, giving Badger Technologies more control over what data travels beyond the walls of the store and what data stays onsite, which helps addresses rising privacy and security concerns among retailers.

“In-building cellular solutions, including 5G and edge computing, are critical drivers of digital transformation for retailers,” says Mo Katibeh, chief marketing officer, AT&T Business.

“These technologies will eventually equip robots with both the compute power and lower latency needed to increase revenue, improve the in-store experience, and elevate employees to better assist customers. Badger Technologies’ robots can help retailers make sure they have products in stock and in the right place, increasing customer satisfaction. That leads to increased revenue. That’s the power of data.”