SAN FRANCISCO—Robomart’s fleet of on-demand mobile mini-marts has come to West Hollywood, Calif., the company reports. Calling itself the “first store-hailing platform” in the world, Robomart “delivers” mobile stores to customers in under 10 minutes.

The company released a video detailing how the service works. Customers summon the store via the Robomart app. Upon arrival, customers use the app to open the door, then pick their products. Two Robomarts can be summoned—a Pharmacy Robomart with hand sanitizer, over-the-counter medications and shampoo, and a Snacks Robomart with candy, soda, chips and other snack items. The company is also working on the prototype for a Grocery Robomart with fresh produce and refrigerated products, with Café, Deli and Pantry Robomarts also planned.

The app gives customers a preview of in-stock selections prior to hailing the mobile store. Shoppers pay via a checkout-free system based on proprietary RFID.

“We’re incredibly excited to launch Robomart in West Hollywood and introduce consumers to the latest innovation in retail,” said Ali Ahmed, Robomart co-founder. “In the past decade, online delivery services have grown substantially and filled a need in the market; however, there are still many challenges that make these services undesirable for consumers. With Robomart, we’re disrupting the industry and have received incredible feedback from consumers on how this is the most convenient way to shop—delivering the fastest and most seamless shopping experience—which other delivery services simply can’t offer.”

For the West Hollywood launch, Robomart partnered with Reef, which operates mobility and logistics hubs and neighborhood kitchens in North America. Reef will keep the minimarts stocked.

Automation in the retail industry can help businesses to better serve customers, helping to ease the pinch of labor shortages. To learn more about automation in retail, read “Robots Deliver” in NACS Magazine.