News

German Startup Revolutionizes Grocery With Direct-To-Consumer Platform

Robots on blockchain: INS Ecosystem announces partnership with Pickertonn German robotics start-up to power its direct-to-consumer platform revolutionizing grocery (PRNewsfoto/INS Ecosystem) KARLSRUHE, Germany -- German startup INS Ecosystem is developing a decentralized marketplace that connects consumer goods' manufacturers with consumers. It has partnered with Germany's Pickertonn, which has expertise in robotics, logistics and warehousing. INS's direct-to-consumer solution enables brands to market a...

May 10, 2018

Robots on blockchain: INS Ecosystem announces partnership with Pickertonn German robotics start-up to power its direct-to-consumer platform revolutionizing grocery (PRNewsfoto/INS Ecosystem)

KARLSRUHE, Germany -- German startup INS Ecosystem is developing a decentralized marketplace that connects consumer goods' manufacturers with consumers. It has partnered with Germany's Pickertonn, which has expertise in robotics, logistics and warehousing.

INS's direct-to-consumer solution enables brands to market and sell their goods to consumers, bypassing retailers and wholesalers. Consumer packaged goods brands can also run personalized loyalty programs and promotions backed by the INS token as the means of reward.

The marketplace runs on INS's blockchain, which enables manufacturers, retailers and other players along the value chain to adopt decentralized applications.

Pickertonn's automated "pick-up modules" contain the 2,000 most frequently bought products, an assortment comparable with a typical convenience store.

"It is a mix between a vending machine and a 'dark store,'" the company explained. "Inside the module, robots automatically fulfill the orders in just few minutes, ready to be picked-up by the consumer."

According to INS, the module occupies four times less space than a comparable store and does not require any full-time staff to operate, resulting in 10% savings versus traditional brick-and-mortar stores and consumes considerably less energy, reducing its carbon footprint.

The modules are generally connected with a distribution center that is operated by a third-party like PostNL, the largest logistics provider in the Netherlands, with which INS Ecosystem recently partnered for its Amsterdam launch later this year.

"Our direct-to-consumer marketplace has a tremendous potential to transform the industry as we know it today," said INS Ecosystem cofounder Peter Fedchenkov. "We are creating our own blockchain, which would correspond to the grocery industry specifics and challenges to power the supply chain and help eliminate intermediaries for groceries to become more affordable."