Tech Report: Retailers turn to tech, AI, and robotics in latest industry shifts

Retail giant Target is testing smartphone-controlled shelf access in an effort to curb theft while improving customer convenience.

(LILAMAX)- Retail giant Target is testing smartphone-controlled shelf access in an effort to curb theft while improving customer convenience. According to Bloomberg, the new system would allow shoppers to unlock secured items—like razors or baby formula—without waiting for an employee to assist. Walmart is reportedly piloting a similar tool at select locations.

In the tech sector, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff is leaning into artificial intelligence to cut costs and boost productivity. CNBC reports that AI now handles up to 50% of Salesforce’s workload, with an estimated accuracy rate of 93%. Earlier this year, the company laid off more than 1,000 employees as part of its push toward automation and efficiency.

Meanwhile, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang is setting his sights on robotics as the company’s next major growth opportunity. At NVIDIA’s annual shareholder meeting, Huang outlined a bold vision of a future powered by AI—featuring billions of robots, hundreds of millions of autonomous vehicles, and vast networks of robotic factories, all utilizing NVIDIA technology.

 The infamous “Blue Screen of Death” is getting a modern makeover. Microsoft is rolling out a black version of the error screen in a forthcoming Windows 11 update, replacing the old blue with a darker design and a QR code for easier troubleshooting. The Verge notes that the update will also include a new recovery tool to help users quickly restore unbootable machines.