Autonomous retail technology startup Sensei opens store with Sonae

Lisbon-based startup Sensei has announced its first autonomous store opening to the public, in partnership with Portuguese retailer Sonae.

The move closely follows a $6.5 million seed fund raise.

Continente, the largest food retailer in Portugal and part of Sonae Group, has today taken the wraps off Continente Labs, powered by Sensei’s solution.

Shoppers download the Continente Labs app. This generates a QR code that enables users to enter the store, pick their items and leave. A digital receipt is then received in the app.

Curious about how autonomous stores can bring people closer? Take a look at @RTIH_RetailTech piece and find out @Sensei_tech big role on this. https://t.co/pAeJVVCCHo
— Sensei (@Sensei_tech) May 14, 2021

Vasco Portugal, CEO and Co-founder, Sensei, says; “This is an historical event. The store of the future is a concept of the past, as we’ve just set autonomous retail as a reality.”

“We are proud to enable a completely transformed experience for both customers and retailers, who are seeking better use of their time, convenience and business optimisation.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with such an experienced retailer as Sonae and to count on their trust to pursue a path of pioneering innovation within the sector.”

“Since we met Sensei at the end of 2018, we have been extremely excited and committed to together rethink the store shopping experience,” says Frederico Santos, Director of Innovation and Digital Transformation at Sonae MC.

“It has been a pleasure and a constant learning process for both sides, having solved complex tech challenges and continuously improved our business processes.”

“The opening of this store marks an important milestone in what we are sure to be a long and fruitful partnership between both companies.”