Hanshow Unveils xPilot, an AI Assistant for Retail, at NRF 2026 APAC

On June 4, 2026, during the highly anticipated NRF 2026 APAC event, Hanshow, a leader in digital retail solutions, announced the debut of its innovative product, xPilot. This AI-powered assistant is designed to optimize real-time execution in retail stores, showcasing a powerful partnership with Microsoft. The launch marks a pivotal step in Hanshow's goal to create scalable, efficient store technology solutions using digital twin concepts.

The Technological Backbone

Built on the robust infrastructure of Microsoft Azure, xPilot seamlessly integrates in-store sensing with business data. It utilizes Microsoft Fabric to create a unified platform where retailers can access essential real-time information, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making processes. This synergy allows for superior management of various in-store elements, from smart shelves to inventory systems, all managed effectively through a user-friendly interface.

AI-Powered Decision Making

xPilot is equipped with AI agents that harness Microsoft Foundry capabilities to interpret live store signals. By turning real-time insights into actionable decisions, the assistant ensures uniformity in store execution, which is a longstanding challenge for many retailers today. Even though investments in data analytics are widespread, effectively translating that data into actionable strategies remains an issue for many businesses. xPilot aims to bridge this gap by automating workflows and enhancing the decision-making process.

Real-time Benefits for Retailers

Retailers leveraging xPilot will enjoy substantial operational advantages. Store teams will gain access to real-time insights regarding shelf availability, compliance with merchandising standards, and operational alerts. Not only can they trigger immediate actions based on priority, but they will also gain critical data visualizations like sales heatmaps and traffic analysis. These tools play a vital role in minimizing lost sales and fostering improved operational efficiencies across various outlets.

Moreover, xPilot’s open architecture allows easy integration with applications from various eco-system partners, enhancing the capabilities of merchandising, supply chain management, and customer engagement strategies. One of the first adopters of xPilot is the Rainbow Department Store in China, which is actively exploring how digital twin technology can enhance their in-store operations.