PARIS: Four decades after R2-D2 delivered a vital message from Princess Leia in the hit movie "Star Wars", a French supermarket group plans to use robots inspired by the drum-shaped droid to transport food to customers in Paris.Stepping up the race for automated deliveries with online retailers such as Amazon, Casino's Franprix chain will test the delivery robots on the streets of Paris's 13th arrondissement for a year.In the French capital, where Amazon has been running its Amazon Prime Now express delivery service since 2016, the speedy and convenient delivery of food has become a battleground among retailers."This droid will facilitate the life of city dwellers. The last mile delivery is crucial. This is what builds the relationship with customers," Franprix Managing Director Jean-Pierre Mochet said of the service, which will be free."We are going to test three droids in this store. If the test is successful, we may extend it to other Franprix stores."Franprix and its partner, … [Read more...] about May the shopping be with you: French supermarket tests robot delivery
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Retired astronaut Mark Kelly kicks off Arizona Senate bid
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By Jonathan J. Cooper The Associated Press Sat., Feb. 23, 2019 TUCSON, Ariz. - Retired astronaut Mark Kelly kicked off a “mission for Arizona” Saturday as he launched his U.S. Senate campaign with a rally in Tucson, the city where his wife, Gabrielle Giffords, survived a shooting when she was a congresswoman. That attack in 2011 led Kelly to leave NASA and become a political activist, pushing for gun control. Kelly, who has never held elected office, is the first Democrat to enter the 2020 race. The seat is now held by Republican Martha McSally, a former congresswoman and Air Force pilot who was appointed by Arizona’s GOP governor after longtime GOP Sen. John McCain died. Next year’s election will decide who finishes the final two years of McCain’s term. It’s expected to be closely contested, with Arizona increasingly competitive after decades of Republican dominance. The campaign, Kelly said, is “a mission to lift up … [Read more...] about Retired astronaut Mark Kelly kicks off Arizona Senate bid
Hundreds rally in Houston as 7-year-old girl’s killer remains at large
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By Juan A. Lozano The Associated Press Sat., Jan. 5, 2019 HOUSTON—Hundreds of people gathered at a rally for a 7-year-old Houston girl whose killer remains at large. Those gathered Saturday were asked to be part of an “army” that will help authorities catch the person who fatally shot Jazmine Barnes. The girl was black, and her family believes the shooting was racially motivated. The rally was held in the parking lot of a Walmart near where the shooting happened on Dec. 30, as she and her family drove to a grocery store. In an emotional plea, Jazmine’s aunt Sharonica Watt asked her niece’s killer to turn himself in. Authorities say they’re pursuing various leads they’ve received since releasing a composite sketch of the suspect. They say they haven’t determined a motive, including whether race might have played a role. Article Continued Below Report an error Journalistic Standards About The Star … [Read more...] about Hundreds rally in Houston as 7-year-old girl’s killer remains at large
Walmart sales strong, both online and in stores
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By Anne D’Innocenzio The Associated Press Thu., Nov. 15, 2018 NEW YORK — Walmart reported strong sales online and in its established store sales for its fiscal third quarter, and raised profit expectations for the year heading into the holiday shopping season. The report Thursday suggests that efforts by Walmart to improve the experience of its customers is paying off in its battle with online behemoth Amazon. Like other retailers, Walmart is benefiting from a strong job market and rising consumer confidence. Home Depot and Macy’s raised annual profit expectations this week. They’re also benefiting from the misfortunes of others. Toys R Us and Bon-Ton Stores have gone out of business, while the bankruptcy of Sears Holdings Corp. is creating more opportunities to grab sales. Walmart sales were strong in such areas as fall seasonal goods and fresh food. That helped sales at stores open at least a year rise 3.4, a bit slower from previous … [Read more...] about Walmart sales strong, both online and in stores