Local innovator Peterson Muthui is the mind behind robot, a smart, talking robot designed to replace the young women traditionally employed by shops to ring bells and call customers.
In today’s fast-paced retail environment, innovation is key to enhancing customer experience while addressing ethical concerns.
Driven by a profound commitment to social change, Muthui has developed a unique solution that not only simplifies store operations but also challenges a long-standing practice that many believe is outdated and problematic.
He explained that his journey began with a simple observation: young girls and women often find themselves in roles that perpetuate a cycle of objectification. Hired specifically to ring bells and beckon customers, these positions often lack opportunities for professional growth and respect
Muthui explained: “I was inspired by the need to stop a system that commodifies young women for the sake of customer service,” adding “We can leverage technology to create solutions that enhance the shopping experience while promoting dignity and respect for every individual.”
Muthui
Naledi as he calls the robot, is a compact, Bluetooth-enabled robot that communicates through recorded messages to call customers into stores or specific areas within shops. This friendly, anthropomorphic robot can run pre-recorded messages that are inviting and warm, reshaping the shopping atmosphere without needing a person to perform that task.
The deployment of Naledi goes beyond mere efficiency; it represents a commitment to ethical labor practices. By replacing roles that traditionally employed vulnerable populations, stores embrace a progressive approach to customer engagement.
Regarding scalability, Muthui emphasizes that Naledi can be easily replicated and customized for businesses of all sizes, from local boutiques to large retail chains. The technology behind it is adaptable, ensuring that each unit meets the specific needs of its environment while remaining cost-effective.
As more businesses adopt innovative technologies, Muthui hopes to inspire a broader conversation about the future of retail employment. “We should be asking ourselves; how can we create a retail environment that empowers everyone involved?” he posits. “By introducing robots like Naledi, we’re reimagining them to create pathways for growth and development.”