KEASBEY, NJ — Shoprite is piloting robotic delivery at two stores as part of a new partnership between Wakefern Food Corp. (Shoprite’s parent company) and Tortoise. 

The remote-controlled, robotic carts will make their northeast debut at the two stores and are designed to meet growing consumer demand for faster home delivery.  

“We are excited to launch this revolutionary new technology. Demand for ever-faster home delivery continues to increase and we believe this provides another innovative way for ShopRite customers to receive their groceries quickly and efficiently,” said Joe Colalillo, Wakefern chairman and chief executive officer, who also serves as president of the two ShopRite stores. “Tortoise’s battery-powered cart is a unique, environmentally-friendly and cost-effective delivery option for our customers who shop online.” 

With an average speed of three miles per hour, the remote-controlled, zero-emissions carts typically travel on sidewalks or the side of the road, and are teleoperated by trained remote drivers. The delivery cart can hold up to 150 pounds in four lockable containers that support ambient, chilled and frozen groceries. ShopRite customers are alerted to the arrival of the order via a text message that can also be used to unlock the cart to unload groceries.   

“Wakefern is our first customer on the east coast to use this innovative delivery system and we believe shoppers will love the convenience Tortoise offers,” said Dmitry Shevelenko, co-founder of Tortoise.  “Our electric cart allows ShopRite associates to focus less on the delivery of products and more on helping customers to improve the shopping experience.” 

Delivery Solutions, another company that specializes in helping retailers maximize online delivery services and provide same-day delivery, worked with Wakefern and Tortoise to support the new delivery robots with real-time order tracking and scheduling. 

"We are excited to deliver on our promise to futureproof fulfillment for ShopRite. Tortoise is the latest in a series of fulfillment options ShopRite will orchestrate against to provide superior customer experiences,” said Manil Uppal, founder of Delivery Solutions. 

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