NOS Cinemas tests out checkout-free smart store powered by Sensei retail technology

Portugal’s NOS Cinemas is piloting a new store within a store concept, developed by Sensei, which works through its 5G and is being tested at its NorteShopping location.

With no checkouts, no need to order products or register them, this uses machine vision algorithms and sensors to detect interactions with the shelves and, through artificial intelligence, identify the items recalled.

This pilot project is part of a Smart Retail consortium, implemented under a Recovery and Resilience Plan, which aims to develop, demonstrate and industrialise technologies to create innovative retail formats that improve the consumer experience.

Funding news

Last year, Sensei secured €15 million in a Series A funding round.

Taking the total raised to €21 million, this is enabling the Portugal-based company to expand across Europe, particularly in central and northern regions, while also opening what is pitched as the world’s largest autonomous store this year. 

Involving existing investors like Metro AG and Techstars Ventures, the round was led by BlueCrow Capital, with the participation of Lince Capital, Explorer Investments, and Kamay Ventures (the investment arm of Coca-Cola and Arcor Group).

Vasco Portugal, CEO and Co-founder at Sensei, said: “We are driven by a relentless obsession to deliver the ultimate store experience. Our technology operates invisibly within the store environment, yet it has a massive impact - enhancing the shopping journey for consumers and driving operational efficiency for retailers."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Autonomous stores will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced last week, 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. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.