Dive Brief:
- VenHub has revealed a new vision-based system that automates shelf calibration and instantly generates real-time planograms, the company announced on Wednesday.
- The system recognizes products placed on shelves and automatically creates planograms, which can drastically cut setup time, remove the need for manual setup and reduce human errors. The system can also adjust product layouts based on shifting demand.
- This capability will enable VenHub stores to optimize shelving setups for different dayparts and allow for on-the-fly product swaps as demand changes.
Dive Insight:
VenHub’s latest technology launch moves the company further along its journey to becoming a fully autonomous convenience store manufacturer.
“Every advancement we introduce moves us closer to a fully automated retail ecosystem that can provide retailers with a smarter, faster, and more flexible way to meet customer needs,” said Shahan Ohanessian, founder and CEO of VenHub.
He added that the technology “will extend our ability [to] create a fully automated, adaptive retail experience that moves beyond traditional retail store models.”
While automated retail hasn’t found ready adoption in the c-store space, VenHub’s betting on its unique approach, which operates more like an automated old-fashioned grocery store than other unmanned concepts. Customers place orders through the VenHub mobile app, which are picked and assembled by robots within the store.
VenHub has had a busy start to 2026. The company went public on Jan. 30 through a direct listing on the Nasdaq. It also picked up two new executives with extensive retail experience — Ian Rasmussen, who helped spearhead Amazon’s Just Walk Out retail technology, and Tarang Sethia, who has led c-store technology at major retailers like 7-Eleven and BP.
