Hanshow Officially Launches AI-Powered Platform "xPilot": From Data Utilization to Real-Time Execution — A New Stage for Retail Store DX

At NRF APAC 2026, Hanshow officially announced the global launch of "xPilot," a real-time intelligent execution platform for retail stores.

xPilot is a next-generation platform centered on AI, fundamentally different from traditional dashboards or task management systems. Built on digital twin technology, it collects and analyzes store operations data in real time, going beyond mere visualization to consistently support automated decision-making, execution instructions, and result verification.

This enables retail operators to evolve from merely "understanding" store conditions to instantly "taking action" based on them.

The launch of xPilot marks a significant turning point, elevating retail store operations management from a "visualization-centric" model to one of "real-time, intelligent execution."

1. A Foundation to Maximize the Value of Store AI — Real-Time, High-Accuracy Data Across All Stores

The rapid advancement of AI in online retail is supported by the ability to capture customer behaviors such as clicks and views as real-time, structured data.

In contrast, physical stores have long faced challenges in data acquisition, relying on manual patrols to check shelf conditions and struggling to monitor customer behavior or equipment status in real time. In environments where data gaps, delays, and inaccuracies are common, even the most advanced AI systems are limited to post-event analysis and cannot drive real-time operational improvements.

Hanshow offers a unique approach to address this challenge. With years of experience providing retail-specific solutions, the company collects real-time, high-accuracy data on "people, products, store displays, and equipment" through a variety of smart devices deployed within stores.

By integrating this data, Hanshow builds an intelligent sensing network covering entire stores, providing retail operators with a foundational platform for data utilization at both system and ecosystem levels. This comprehensive data foundation is an essential prerequisite for truly effective AI deployment in physical retail.

2. xPilot — A Real-Time Execution Platform for Stores Powered by AI

By integrating specialized analytical models optimized for the retail industry, xPilot delivers an operational foundation that consistently supports "perception, judgment, execution, and verification."

xPilot does not replace existing systems but functions as an "intelligent central hub" supporting overall store operations. By integrating and managing various operational data from within and outside the store, and centrally coordinating and advancing execution tasks, xPilot delivers new value to store staff, managers, headquarters personnel, and even supply chain partners including suppliers.

This enables rapid, cross-functional decision-making and execution, strongly supporting the efficiency and sophistication of store operations.

· Real-Time 3D Digital Twin: Digital Replication of the Store

Leveraging its real-time, high-accuracy data foundation, xPilot's first innovation is the "real-time 3D digital twin." It recreates information about shelves, equipment, and staff within the store in a 3D space, enabling comprehensive visualization of the physical store.

When issues such as out-of-stock items, improper product displays, electronic shelf label (ESL) communication errors, or temperature anomalies occur, they are automatically detected and displayed on the 3D map and sent as alerts. Managers can intuitively grasp the overall store status and monitor task assignments and progress in real time.

Furthermore, by integrating with sales data and heatmap analysis, it visualizes underperforming store areas and imbalanced workloads, supporting optimization of staff allocation and operational efficiency.

On-site staff receive automatically generated task lists prioritized by urgency, delivered via a mobile app. Each task is linked with a 3D navigation feature that quickly guides staff to the target location. This dramatically streamlines the process from identifying an out-of-stock item to resolving it, enabling smooth store operations without reliance on verbal communication or paper-based work instructions.

· Retail Management Analytics AI Agent — From Decision-Making to Execution Through Dialogue

xPilot features an AI decision engine optimized for retail operations.

It adopts a hybrid architecture combining specialized AI models tailored for retail with large language models (LLMs), deeply integrating data analysis with conversational interfaces.

The specialized AI models leverage Hanshow’s years of accumulated expertise in store digitization and real-time store data to perform high-accuracy analysis of product displays, out-of-stock detection, and sales diagnostics.

Meanwhile, the large language model handles natural language understanding and dialogue, enabling users to interact with the system intuitively.

Store managers and staff no longer need to interpret complex reports or analysis screens. Instead, they can simply ask questions in natural language to understand situations and make decisions.

For example, asking, "What are the reasons for the decline in sales of Brand A beverages compared to the same period last year?" prompts the AI agent to cross-analyze relevant data such as inventory levels, display conditions, promotional activities, and competitor pricing to identify root causes. It then automatically suggests specific corrective actions and execution tasks, strongly supporting rapid decision-making and operational optimization.

· Smart Task Management and Execution Verification — Ensuring Reliable On-Site Operations

Many retail companies have well-defined procedures and operational rules, but struggle to establish systems that ensure consistent execution on the ground.

xPilot’s task engine automatically determines task priority based on operational impact. For instance, if a high-sales-impact product is out of stock, the system immediately generates a high-priority task to prompt swift action.

Moreover, by considering staff location and workload, tasks are automatically assigned to minimize unnecessary movement and uneven work distribution, improving overall store efficiency and smooth collaboration.

A key feature of xPilot is its automated execution verification. By integrating with smart devices such as electronic shelf labels (ESLs), AI cameras, and IoT sensors, the system automatically verifies task completion and execution quality. If tasks fail to meet set standards, they are automatically escalated and reassigned.

This creates a fully automated "execution → verification" workflow, ensuring reliable task completion.

As a result, store operations evolve from a model of "people managing people" to one where "systems support execution." Managers are freed from daily monitoring tasks and can focus on more strategic store management and business decisions.

3. Coexistence with Existing Systems and Collaboration with Diverse Partners

Respecting the existing system investments and technology strategies of retail operators, Hanshow adopted an open architecture from the initial design phase of xPilot.

This enables seamless integration with different cloud environments, data sources, and networks, and flexible connectivity with major large language models (LLMs) and diverse IoT devices.

Additionally, by adopting a modular deployment approach, retailers can implement xPilot incrementally based on their specific operational needs and digitalization progress. A major advantage is the ability to begin operations in a short time without extensive modifications to existing systems.

The value Hanshow provides extends beyond the xPilot platform alone. Alongside a suite of smart devices such as NexShelf smart shelves, NexConnect smart shopping carts, NexMate smart robots, and NexOptim store equipment digitization solutions, Hanshow offers an integrated solution encompassing data analytics models and operational execution applications.

By combining retail-optimized analytical models with general-purpose large language models, xPilot achieves high analytical accuracy, explainability, and practical utility in real store operations. Compared to approaches relying on a single AI model, it better supports accurate decision-making and task execution.

Furthermore, Hanshow is actively promoting collaboration with a diverse ecosystem of partners, including retailers, brand owners, and technology providers. By combining its technological capabilities with partners’ strengths, Hanshow aims to foster open, sustainable innovation and support the advancement and high-quality growth of the retail industry.

4. Real-Time Intelligence Driving the Next Evolution of Retail Stores

Digitalization in retail has so far focused primarily on data collection and visualization. However, the key competitive factor moving forward will be how quickly and accurately these insights are translated into action.

Hanshow’s newly launched xPilot offers retailers a practical and scalable new approach. Built on a foundation of real-time, high-accuracy data, and combining advanced AI analytics with execution support, xPilot enables stores to instantly perceive conditions, make autonomous decisions, and act swiftly.

This not only allows early detection and resolution of sales losses and operational issues but also frees store managers from routine checks, enabling them to focus on higher-value strategic planning and enhancing customer experience.

The next transformation in retail will not be driven by mere data visualization, but by rapid decision-making and execution powered by data. The first step is establishing an environment capable of comprehensively and in real time monitoring store conditions.

Going forward, Hanshow will continue to contribute to the sustainable growth and creation of new value in the retail industry through innovative solutions that integrate real-time data, AI, and IoT.