Retail

Ukko Robotics introduces outdoor farm locker kiosk

Picture courtesy of Ukko Robotics.

August 26, 2021

Ukko Robotics, a Canada-based farm technology provider, has introduced Vendii, a direct-to-consumer sales platform for farmers and other small businesses needing a non-staffed retail solution, according to a press release.

Vendii consists of a "smart locker" to store and deliver goods and an app which consumers use to order products. The lockers have multiple locked compartments which can be opened with codes issued to a buyer.

The farmer/retailer fills a compartment with an order when it is received and the buyer retrieves it at their convenience, according to a press release.

The Vendii lockers are powered by 120V or solar, allowing them to be placed in almost any outdoor location. They come in both temperature-controlled and non-controlled versions so perishable food items can be stored safely.

Ukko Robotics co-founder Daniel Badiou said the Vendii was designed to meet the growing challenge of farm retail staffing as more smaller farms are selling direct to the public.

"Vendii is intended to give them some of their time back and it requires a lot less effort than hauling product to the market and unsold product back," Badiou said in the release. "We also make it a lot easier and convenient for both the farmer and consumer to pick up products on the farm. If a customer knows what they want, they can purchase online and pick up at their convenience."