Supermarket chain Kroger and Nvidia are building a state-of-the-art AI lab and demonstration center to expand the grocer's freshness initiatives, boost shipping logistics and create a better shopping experience in stores through digital twin simulations — virtual models designed to accurately reflect store layouts and other operations.

"Our collaboration with Nvdia supports Kroger's 'Fresh for Everyone' commitment," Wesley Rhodes, vice president of technology transformation and research and development at Kroger, said in a press release announcing the partnership. "We look forward to learning more about how AI and data analytics will further our journey to provide our customers with anything, anytime, anywhere."

The lab will be located in Kroger's Cincinnati headquarters and will use the Nvdia AI Enterprise software suite for retail, Nvdia Omniverse Enterprise to build digital twin simulations and Nvdia cuOpt to explore logistics optimizations. The initial installation will use nine Nvdia DGX A100 systems, Nvdia InfiniBand networking and Nvdia RTX workstations to gather actionable insights on the grocer's nearly 2,800 U.S. stores.

"Nvdia and Kroger's collaboration on AI and digital twins will further expand Kroger's digital technology leadership," Azita Martin, vice president and general manager of retail at Nvdia, said in the release. "Kroger already is delivering excellent customer experiences in stores and providing fast home delivery. With Nvdia AI, shoppers gain more personalized experiences in physical stores and online."

The companies will explore how Nvdia technology can:

  • Identify early indicators of deteriorating freshness through computer vision and analytics.
  • Use dynamic routing for last-mile delivery to ensure freshness from farm to plate.
  • Optimize store efficiency and processes with digital twin store simulation.

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