The world is facing challenging times. However, these are also the times that bright innovative minds can blossom and show their entrepreneurial agility and willpower. Will you be part of the people that will realize the next generation technology that creates safer and cleaner environments for people all over the world?

Ahold Delhaize’s AI for Retail (AIR) Lab is currently looking for innovative companies that are able to build an autonomous store cleaning solution. The urgency is there, what’s missing is the right innovation.

The AIRLab Delft is the joint industry lab of Ahold Delhaize and the TU Delft, driving innovations at the intersection of retail, AI and robotics. It recently opened a test site where researchers – supported by RoboValley and tech incubator YES!Delft – can work with partners, students and startups to build and test prototypes of robotic solutions. 

Looking for the cleaning solution of tomorrow

Supermarkets have their doors open from early morning until late in the evening to provide customers not only with the groceries they need, but also with a great shopping experience. Easy access, convenience and a wide assortment are all part of that experience. Hygiene is at the top of the priority list, too, especially in the time of COVID-19.

In supermarkets, floors are cleaned once a day before each store opens. It takes cleaning personnel an average of two hours every morning to sweep the floors for dirt, mop the hard-to-reach corners, and then go through the store with a ride-on floor scrubber. It is certainly both a time-consuming and labor-intensive activity. 

Ahold Delhaize’s AI for Retail (AIR) Lab is, thus, looking for a partner that can automate this process by creating an autonomous cleaning robot.

Who are we looking for?

Ahold Delhaize’s new partner in this endeavor can be any company that can provide the right solution – from early-stage startups to scale-ups and SMEs. To be considered for the program, candidates need to:

• Have a motivated and ambitious team, with a minimum of two co-founders, available as of right now;
• Have an existing prototype or MVP;
• Have a solution that is scalable and leads to solving the AIRLab Cleaning Bot Challenge;
• Be able to pitch their solution in English and/or Dutch.

Does that sound like a challenge for your company? If you are developing or already have a robotics-based cleaning solution, then we want to hear from you. Apply now and get a chance to win a pilot with Ahold Delhaize.

If you have a question about this challenge, please reach out to Thomas Roodenberg – Roodenberg.thomas@ahold.com