Poland: Shell unveils Europe's first service station robots
BellaBot and KettyBot are the newest additions to the company’s services for customers at its Września forecourt.
Shell has implemented two robots for its Września service station in Poland. BellaBot and KettyBot have joined the current staff at the site to provide convenience services to customers and improve its retail experience. As the company states, they are the first of its kind to be deployed at a forecourt in Europe.
“Once again this year as Shell Polska we are launching a pioneering solution on the Polish market, this time in the context of non-fuel offer. In October this year we launched Shell-IONITY fast charging stations and now we are introducing automated delivery of orders to the table at bistro stations. This is a unique offer for customers, not only in Poland but also in Europe. We are convinced that this will help us to further improve the quality of service, meet customers' expectations and make their stay at our station more attractive," said Monika Kielak-£okietek, Head of Service Stations and Retail Development at Shell Polska.
Both robots are equipped with 3D sensors and new modular chassis that allow for a 0.5-second immediate reaction to possible obstacles. While BellaBot focuses on delivering ordered products by clients directly to their table, KettyBot advises them on current promotional campaigns.
"It is worth noting that until now, products ordered in the bistro area at the station in Września were collected by customers in person, and promotional campaigns were displayed on LCD monitors. I am immensely proud of my team, which is constantly and successfully working on innovations in our offer”, added Kielak-£okietek.
BellaBot can communicate with customers at the table and inform them about their orders and table number via voice notifications and using flashing lights on the tray to encourage them to pick up their dish. Multimodal AI voice, light and touch interaction functions are also available. It’s built for delivering four orders at a time, stopping at any angle and moving away as soon as it detects an obstacle.
Regarding the KettyBot, its main working area is the shop section of Shell’s station in Września. The device is programmed to greet customers and inform them of current promotional campaigns as well as encouraging them to use the catering section, while being capable of directing them to it.
