Walkbase Millimeter Wave Sensor Solution now available for retailers following US grocery store trials

STRATACACHE company Walkbase, an in-store analytics solutions provider for retailers, has unveiled new millimeter wave sensor technology.

On display this week at NRF in New York, it provides retailers and premises owners a way to accurately measure in-store customer behaviour without collecting or divulging the personal identifying information (PII) of customers. 

“For retailers looking to track shopper activity in their store, without the risk of collecting unauthorised data, the millimeter wave solution is essential," says Ben Reynolds, Vice President Business Development, Walkbase.

“This is the first time that millimeter wave technology has been used in retail and, after years of development, we are so proud to be sharing Walkbase’s highly scalable solution with retailers and brands attending NRF.”

The solutions uses electromagnetic waves to capture location, pathing and dwell time data. The millimeter wave sensors contain no camera lenses so capture no biometric or personally identifiable information. As the offering works without using a camera, it is also able to work in environments where other sensors fail, such as in bright sunlight or darkness.

The millimeter wave sensor technology can cover wider areas than typical in-store tracking tools and does not require significant capital investment from retailers with the ability to plug directly into retail media video players. The Walkbase Millimeter Wave Sensor Solution is available to retailers following trials within a large regional US grocery store. 

“This is a solution that has many use cases, including the tracking of visitors and customer pathing; however, we are most excited for the role that the Walkbase Millimeter Wave Sensor Solution will play when it comes to in-store retail media,” says Kevin Carbone, CEO, PRN, also a STRATACACHE company.

“Accurate attribution is essential to properly monetise an in-store retail media network and this tool will answer the calls of retailers, advertisers and organisations such as IAB for a privacy aware method to measure and attribute the impact of any in-store marketing activation.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

In-store technology was a key focus area at the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering.