1. Title
Proprietary robotics platform for full automation of retail stores – cashierless smart store solution developed in Romania
2. Short description
SQB Robotics develops a retail automation technology platform based on the proprietary Squirrel Bot robot (patent pending) and an integrated hardware + software ecosystem for operating fully autonomous retail stores. The solution enables 24/7 unmanned store operations, significantly reduces operational costs, and allows rapid multi-location scaling through centralized management. The platform is available for white-label licensing to retailers, network operators, and international integrators.
3. Full solution description
The SQB Robotics platform is an integrated retail automation system combining robotic hardware, control software, and customer-facing interfaces designed for fully autonomous store operations.
The solution includes:
• Squirrel Bot robot – a multisensory mechatronic system (video camera, infrared sensors, pressure sensors) with a robotic arm capable of handling 400+ SKUs, including fragile and variably sized products (up to ~30 cm), currently patent pending
• Retail network management software – real-time inventory tracking, automated restocking alerts, and a centralized dashboard enabling remote operation of 20–30 locations simultaneously
• Customer self-service interface – intuitive touchscreen UI, 100% card-based payments, loyalty program integration, dynamic pricing, and promotions
• Temperature control system – active climate management for fresh and refrigerated goods, with full isolation of the robotic module
• Cloud-based control architecture – centralized administration, remote software updates, and continuous operational optimization
The solution addresses the concept of a fully autonomous smart store, eliminating the need for in-store staff and enabling continuous 24/7 operation in urban and semi-urban environments such as gas stations, convenience stores, hospitals, hotels, and high-traffic areas.
Deployment is fast (approximately 1 month per location), and the system is designed for industrial-scale replication through modular hardware and scalable software infrastructure.
4. Advantages and Innovations
• Proprietary Squirrel Bot robot (patent pending) – strong technological barrier and competitive differentiation
• Advanced multisensory system (vision + IR + pressure) – high-precision handling of diverse and fragile products
• Fully cashierless autonomous store operating 24/7 without staff
• High scalability: one operator can remotely manage 20–30 locations
• Significant operational cost reduction (up to ~90% vs. traditional retail, depending on configuration)
• Fast deployment cycle (~1 month per store)
• White-label and licensable architecture for international partners
• Real-time remote monitoring and control across the entire network
• Initial commercial validation: confirmed orders and ongoing pilot implementations
5. Keywords
Automated retail
Applied robotics
Smart store
Cashierless store
Computer vision
Retail IoT
Mechatronics
Self-service retail
Technology licensing
Retail automation
6. Partner sought
SQB Robotics is seeking strategic partners for international scaling and deployment across retail networks.
Target partners include:
• retail tech system integrators (vending, kiosk, self-checkout, BOPIS) interested in licensing or white-label integration
• retail network operators (gas stations, convenience stores, hospitals, hotels, campuses) seeking large-scale deployment of autonomous stores
• distributors and technology partners for international market expansion
• strategic investors and VC funds in retail-tech, AI, and robotics interested in scaling the platform
7. Development stage
Active market product – functional platform validated through pilot deployments and initial confirmed orders
8. IPR status
IPR filed – Squirrel Bot (patent pending) + proprietary software
9. Type of partnership considered
• Commercial licensing agreements
• International distribution partnerships
• Strategic investment agreements
• OEM / white-label integration collaborations
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