Retail innovation of the week: Sensei powers first 100% autonomous European healthcare store
Retail Technology Innovation of the Week is a series brought to you by RTIH, and sponsored by 3D Cloud, highlighting stand out deployments, launches, and initiatives by retailers and tech suppliers.
Every week, we will showcase forward thinking tech plays that have impressed our Editor and the Retail Technology Innovations Report judging panel, alongside the publication of the 2025 report.
And this week we’re focusing on Sensei which is equipping what is pitched as the first 100% autonomous healthcare store in Europe.
Located in Parque das Nações, in Lisbon, the new Pharma&Go store is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
With 90m² and a grab and go model, shoppers can check in with a bank card at the entrance and move freely around the space, which is organised like a conventional store.
The technology implemented, based on artificial intelligence and computer vision, operates without personal cameras, biometric identification or the collection of data that could compromise privacy. Products taken from the shelves are identified in real-time, as is the automatic updating of each customer’s digital basket. Upon exit, the amount is charged to the card, with no need to use a checkout.
“The opening of the first 100% autonomous healthcare store in Europe shows how artificial intelligence and computer vision can transform entire sectors, creating faster, more convenient and safer ways to shop. For Sensei, it is an important milestone to apply this technology to a segment as sensitive as health and well-being, reinforcing our mission to make retail smarter and more human centric,” says Vasco Portugal, CEO and Co-founder at Sensei.
“Pharma&Go was born from my daily experience in contact with consumers and from realising that around 80% of purchases in pharmacies are recurring products that do not require specialised advice. That’s why we created a modern, convenient and trustworthy health space where we offer all types of pharmaceutical products, except those subject to medical prescription,” says Catarina Dias, pharmacist specialising in community pharmacy and owner of Pharma&Go.
““With the support of artificial intelligence, we offer a personalised and efficient experience, making access to healthcare simpler, faster and closer to each person.”
This project results from a partnership between Sensei and Glintt Life.
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Autonomous stores were a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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