# Bossa Nova

> Bossa Nova Robotics developed autonomous shelf-scanning robots and AI software for retail inventory visibility. Its defining deployment was at Walmart, which ended the partnership in 2020. The current Bossa Nova website is a lessons-sharing initiative run by veterans of the venture.

- **Founded:** 2005
- **Headquarters:** Pittsburgh, United States
- **Founders:** Sarjoun Skaff (Co-founder; former CTO and CEO), Martin Hitch (Co-founder; former CEO and chief business officer)
- **Products:** Autonomous shelf-scanning robots and data services, Bossa Nova 2020, Retail AI image analysis, Startup lessons and operating resources
- **Notable:** Announced a 50-store Walmart trial in 2017., Company retrospective reports deployment across 600 Walmart Supercenters., Acquired Carnegie Mellon AI spinoff HawXeye in July 2018.

## Products & services

- **Autonomous shelf-scanning robots and data services** — Historical retail service combining autonomous image capture, computer vision, product location, price and out-of-stock detection, and inventory analytics.
- **Bossa Nova 2020** — Robot generation with a smaller footprint, added imaging coverage and RFID support; introduced in late 2019.
- **Retail AI image analysis** — Company LinkedIn describes image interpretation for merchandising, promotions, pricing, product location and stockouts, including mobile-app integration. Current commercial availability is unverified.
- **Startup lessons and operating resources** — Current website shares strategy templates, financing examples, HR materials, manufacturing agreements and robotics operating lessons.

## Achievements

- Announced a 50-store Walmart trial in 2017.
- Company retrospective reports deployment across 600 Walmart Supercenters.
- Acquired Carnegie Mellon AI spinoff HawXeye in July 2018.
- Company retrospective reports $120 million in venture capital and more than $90 million in cumulative revenue over a seven-year effort. These are historical self-reported totals, not annual revenue or a valuation.

## Latest updates

- **2020-11** — Walmart confirmed that its contract with Bossa Nova had ended.
- **2021-01** — European subsidiary administration and closure were reported; administrator documents date appointment to September 2020.
- **2024-04** — Company About page features a Mike Graen interview about Bossa Nova and retail innovation.

## Links

- Website: https://www.bossanova.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bossa-nova-robotics/
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/BNRobotics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bossa-Nova-Robotics-141830539222559/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/bossa-nova
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-02