As part of an ongoing program of upgrading automation and mechanization, Walmart has announced new installations for their Buckeye, AZ and Searcy, AR locations to be followed ultimately by all 42 regional distribution centers.  The combination of robotics and technology will double the throughput of the regional distribution centers that serve local distribution centers of which there are three in Arizona and eight in Arkansas. 

Walmart noted, “The addition of robotics, automation and AI-powered software systems represents a significant investment in our associates and our community.”  The statement continued, “It will enable us to offer new career opportunities while revolutionizing operation and fundamentally changing the way we distribute products to stores.”

It would appear that Walmart has developed in-house systems to upgrade existing regional distribution centers.  It is possible that Walmart has managed to achieve a similar level of efficiency as Kroger that committed vast amounts of capital to their Ocada automated warehouses.  The efficiency obtained by Walmart may well prove to be a competitive factor in gaining markets to the disadvantage of Kroger, irrespective of whether the merger with Albertsons occurs and now considered an unlikely prospect.