Sensei looks to disrupt vending machine space with autonomous cabinet
Sensei has launched what is pitched as “the first ever autonomous cabinet, revolutionising the vending machine and bringing ultra convenience to consumers in offices, stations, universities, gyms and more”.
The AI powered solution will allow customers to hold and have an up close look at products before buying them.
The cabinet door can be opened with the tap of a card or the Sensei app and, after choosing the products they want, customers will automatically be charged for what they decide to keep.
Cameras and intelligent shelves in the cabinet recognise products and ensure receipts are accurate.
Sensei claims that the solution allows retailers to reduce their operational costs thanks to its smart inventory management system, and increase sales due to the ability to sell high value products.
Consumers also benefit from convenient access to products in apartment buildings, schools, train stations, universities, offices, hotels, hospitals, event venues and so on.
Vasco Portugal, CEO at Sensei, says: “We are thrilled to be bringing this next evolution of vending machines to retailers.”
“We are committed to improving the retail experience, increasing efficiency, and helping businesses maximise sales and reduce costs.”
“Our autonomous cabinets allow retailers to easily place their products in the spaces where their customers frequent. Customers can just walk up to an autonomous cabinet near them, pick whatever they want and leave. Consumers crave convenience, and that’s what we’re delivering.”
Sensei says that, in the coming weeks, there will be dozens of these cabinets operating in stations, universities and office buildings.
Petrol station convenience stores
Sensei is also providing an autonomous retail experience for petrol station customers following a tie up with Galp in the Iberian Peninsula.
Sensei has created a 323 square foot checkout-free convenience store at a Galp location in Lisbon.
This offers a number of non-perishable goods, food, snacks and beverages to customers and includes a network of cameras mounted in the ceiling and sensors in shelves to detect the items people pick or leave.
The autonomous software creates and keeps track of each person’s virtual shopping bag and charges them automatically via an app, with credit card payments soon to follow, upon exiting the shop.
The store open to customers from 8am until midnight every day with 24/7 access becoming available in the near future.
