Wireless routers and mock storefronts will replace fresh produce and choice meats.
Bruno's grocery store will be the home of RFID (radio frequency identification) Research Center in June.
For the past six months, Auburn University has been working with the RFID Research Center at the University of Arkansas.
It will open as the RFID Lab, which was founded and directed by Professor Bill Hardgrave, the Harbert College of Business Dean in 2005.
According to Hardgrave, the lab will be a "hub for thought and leadership involving industry-leading companies interested in developing and exploring applications for RFID."
In 2003, Hardgrave began his work at the University of Arkansas. The center took root in 2006, in large part to support Walmart and other companies who are interested in what the technology will provide.
Larry Fillmer, executive director of the Natural Resources Management and Development Institute at Auburn University, emphasized the popular emergence of RFID technology.
"It has the potential to, over time, replace bar code readers and the technology used to read or scan at the stores or registers," Fillmer said. "It gets to another level of detail and gives a greater accuracy of where inventory comes from and shows the distribution of the product."
With RFID technology, store or factory owners will be able to detect with special tags where a certain product was produced or prepared.
"It will come in handy when they are dealing with issues of product problems and even food safety," Fillmer said. "They'll be able to know precisely where a particular item came from."
According to Fillmer, the new lab will serve as a place in Auburn that will attract a substantial number of visitors looking to learn about, and use, the technology.
"RFID technology is increasingly critical to the ability of business and industry to excel in a global, networked marketplace," Auburn University President, Jay Gogue, said. "The new lab will serve as an engine of economic growth as it develops technologies and processes that improve efficiency and customer satisfaction."
The University of Arkansas will continue a research relationship after the move to Auburn.
"Moving to Auburn is a big step up for the RFID program," Lab Director Justin Patton said. "With Auburn's world-class programs in wireless engineering, apparel studies and supply chains, industry sponsors are excited for the lab to simultaneously continue to focus on RFID in retail and broaden it's scope."
Students of various programs at Auburn will be able to benefit from a research center so close to campus.
The lab will be located at the old Bruno's location at the corner of University and Glenn, a location that the University is renovating for administrative offices as well.
The lab will also contain multiple store fronts for researchers to learn the rapidly changing layout and physical details of stores.
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