Circle K taps Standard AI tech for autonomous checkout experience

Standard AI has announced the opening of an autonomous store in partnership with Circle K. 

This builds on another checkout-free tie up from last year.

Customers walk in the Phoenix, Arizona store, shop as normal, and tap the Circle K Innovation app at Standard AI’s tablet-based stations when they’re ready to leave. Receipts are sent to their phones within minutes. 

In an online post, Standard Ai says: “This new method of shopping not only enhances the customer experience, but it also enables employees to step away from the checkout counter and focus on customer service, managing the store, and more.”

It adds that retrofitting a neighbourhood convenience store is a more advanced application of autonomous retail than a micro market or purpose built test store. 

“They’re busy, packed full of merchandise, and they weren’t built specifically for autonomous retail. Fortunately, transforming everyday environments into exceptional experiences is our specialty.”

The online post continues: “Autonomous retail shouldn’t come at the cost of aesthetics. Nobody wants a ceiling full of awkward, dangling cameras.”

“Standard AI’s newest series of cameras blend seamlessly into the store environment and rarely stand out to customers. Due to the strength of our AI-based computer vision platform, we also achieve a lower camera density than is typical of other autonomous stores.”

There are also no gates. “Convenience stores are busy, dynamic environments that serve everyone. Rather than relying on restrictive gates that introduce friction and lower foot traffic, the Standard AI platform ensures stores remain open and inviting to all.”

And no shelf sensors. “This store is merchandised exactly as it was before Standard AI retrofitted it. Rather than relying on costly, cumbersome shelf sensors that force a “vending machine” experience upon retailers and customers, our computer vision only platform accepts stores the way they are.”

Autonomous storesStaff WriterStandard AI, Circle K, Autonomous stores, Stores, Checkout free stores, US retail, Retail technologyComment