Revolutionary Convenience Store Opens in Los Angeles, Featuring Robot Assistants
In a groundbreaking move, the city of Los Angeles has welcomed a futuristic convenience store that’s set to change the way we shop. VenHub, a fully automated store located at the city’s newest rail station, has opened its doors to the public, offering a unique shopping experience that’s as fascinating as it is efficient. This innovative store operates 24 hours a day, without human employees, and is accessible solely through a downloadable app.
At the heart of VenHub are two robots, Barb and Peter, named after friends of the company’s CEO, Shahan Ohanessian. These robotic co-pilots work together to dispense a wide range of products, including water, soda, snacks, and even non-food items like toiletries and electronics. According to Ohanessian, "If Peter’s not feeling well because of a software issue, he’ll take a rest and Barb takes over," demonstrating the seamless collaboration between the two robots.
VenHub’s product offerings are diverse and competitively priced, with items like Fiji water selling for $1.39 and Starbucks Frappuccinos going for $1.89. The absence of human labor at the kiosks translates to lower costs for customers, making it an attractive option for commuters and travelers.
While some may raise concerns about job displacement, Ohanessian believes that VenHub creates new employment opportunities in areas like robot management, automation, and restocking. "The store has a lot of AI and technology behind it," he explains, "which will tell our headquarters when we need more stock, ensuring that our supplies are always replenished."
The company’s plans for expansion are ambitious, with locations already scattered throughout greater Los Angeles and further openings planned for Las Vegas and the East Coast. Ohanessian also hopes to partner with Los Angeles’s transit agency to introduce more VenHubs throughout the city’s rail system.
As Ohanessian aptly puts it, "We’re witnessing history, the first airport to see the first unattended smart store… That’s where the world is going in the years to come." With its cutting-edge technology, efficient operations, and customer-centric approach, VenHub is poised to revolutionize the convenience store experience, making it a fascinating development to watch in the retail industry.
