AiFi tech powers AI Go autonomous store in Shanghai
US startup AiFi has opened what is pitched as the largest hybrid computer vision only store with a cashier option.
A joint partnership with an unnamed company, the 4,000-square foot convenience store is stocked with 2,000 SKUs ranging from fresh meats to snacks.
Named AI Go, which means love shopping in Chinese, it is located in Shanghai and is the largest of four stores in the city now powered by AiFi’s computer vision technology.
This tracks shopping behaviour and the items customers select or put back, keeping identities private with no facial recognition or biometric data.
The checkout-free option is available 24/7, while the traditional checkout stand and cashier can assist from 8 am to 11 pm.
Also of interest: Qualcomm Ventures backs autonomous shopping startup AiFi
“The hybrid approach offers retailers a way to introduce the autonomous experience to customers and get everyone accustomed to the pleasures of no more frustrating waiting in line while simultaneously avoiding crowds, which is especially important during the pandemic,” says Steve Gu, CEO and Co-founder, AiFi, which has been shortlisted in the Technology Vendor of the Year category at the 2020 RTIH Innovation Awards.
“We are delivering a contactless, fast, and enjoyable shopping experience to customers while providing detailed inventory and analytics that make for a very efficient operation for retailers.”
“We are also completely GDPR and CCPA compliant so no customer personal information is disclosed.”
AiFi says that it has partnerships with five of the top 10 US grocery chains, three of the top six European chains, and a top store chain in Australia. And it is on track to open more than 330 stores in 2021.
