Introduction
As retailers increasingly rely on real-time data to optimize store operations, physical AI & automation systems are becoming essential to ensure accuracy and efficiency at scale. To support this transformation, Simbe partnered with ASRock Industrial to enhance the performance and reliability of its Tally autonomous shelf-scanning robot, part of the larger Store Intelligence™ platform. Built using ASRock Industrial’s NUC-255H Industrial Motherboard, the system acts as the core computing platform, enabling real-time sensor fusion, navigation, and AI processing within fast-charging retail environments. This integration enhances operational consistency while supporting scalable deployment of intelligent, data-driven retail solutions.


Challange
As Tally scaled globally to thousands of cities across 10 countries, both the system’s capabilities and the demands on its compute platform evolved to support more advanced AI and navigation. Supporting these next-generation capabilities required a platform that could reliably operate under elevated temperatures, provide greater thermal headroom for increasingly advanced AI workloads, and enable long-term, always-on operation. Scaling innovation across a growing fleet also required a system optimized for consistency, reliability, and efficient deployment of new features. These evolving requirements highlighted the need for a more robust, purpose-built compute platform to support Tally’s next phase of growth and innovation.

Solution
To overcome these challenges, Simbe implemented ASRock Industrial’s NUC-255H motherboard as the core compute platform for Tally 4.0, enabling a more robust and scalable foundation for autonomous navigation and operation. Acting as the central processor, the NUC-255H performs real-time sensor fusion to provide Tally with even more accurate awareness of its position and surroundings within dynamic retail environments. With its industrial-grade design, advanced Intel platform with integrated NPU for edge AI workloads, and expanded I/O for sensor integration, the system supports reliable and efficient operation. Through close collaboration between Simbe and ASRock Industrial engineering teams, a custom BIOS was also developed to enable secure boot using Simbe’s signing key to protect customer data, streamline production with preconfigured settings, and support a branded system experience.

Benefits
Delivers consistent system performance under sustained workloads, ensuring reliable operation in dynamic retail environments.
Achieves approximately 20% lower power consumption while supporting advanced AI and navigation workloads.
Provides the flexibility to deploy new features and expand Tally’s capabilities as AI and autonomy requirements evolve in complex store environments.
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