Loop Neighborhood expands AiFi autonomous shopping tech tie up

Autonomous shopping venture AiFi has ramped up its partnership with US retailer Loop Neighborhood to introduce its computer vision, camera only platform into stores in California, starting with two Bay Area locations.

This follows a tie up to design an autonomous gas station store, using AiFi’s NanoStore model in Campbell, California in 2019.

“NanoStore has been welcomed with open arms by our customers and we think they’re ready for the next generation of AI powered shopping,” says Pervez Pir, COO at Loop Neighborhood.

“Our expanded partnership with AiFi will enable us to incorporate autonomous shopping technology into more stores, allowing our cashiers to focus on providing the best customer service, all while preserving the look and feel of a traditional shopping experience.”

In stores using AiFi’s technology, Loop Neighborhood customers will have the option to scan a QR code in the former’s app upon entering or leaving the store and grab their items without waiting in line, or checkout with a cashier.

Following the opening of the two aforementioned stores this summer, Loop Neighborhood plans to open additional AiFi powered locations later this year.

Morrisons

Morrisons is testing out a store with no checkouts or staff, known internally as Project Sarah, at its Bradford head office.

Britain's fourth largest supermarket, which is currently at the centre of a takeover battle, is working with AiFi on the initiative.

As @Morrisons follows @Tesco's lead and starts to explore just walk out stores, RTIH takes a look at the UK-based retailers leading the way in this booming space. Featuring @InfosysConsltng @mazzaknights @imagr_ @AmazonNewsUK @tesconews @AiFiInc https://t.co/os5M1l6TX7
— Retail Technology Innovation Hub (@RTIH_RetailTech) July 20, 2021

Customers (or Morrisons staff members in the case of this trial) download an app on to their smartphone which must be scanned on entry.

Digital cameras then track where people are in the store and record which items they place in their bags.

A source close to Morrisons said the technology was working well, with “a couple more in flight. The tech itself is phenomenal, which uses cameras rather than weights – it has been very smooth”.

This is a compact version of the store and is designed to be 'transportable', which means it could be located in areas not easily accessible for Morrisons stores, such as university campuses or in train stations, as well as on urban high streets.

Later versions may be bigger than the initial test model. The concept could also be developed as a fixed bricks and mortar location.