Reckon.ai retail technology powers new Lekkerland SE REWE To Go smart store in Cologne, Germany hospital

Reckon.ai reports the launch of a REWE To Go smart store at Hospital Eduardus in Cologne, Germany.

In a LinkedIn post, Ana Pinto, CEO at Reckon.ai, said: "We thrilled to bring our AI powered technology to the healthcare environment 24/7, in partnership with Lekkerland SE (part of REWE Group). Stay tuned, we will publish new of another store - sooner than you expect!"

This closely follows on from REWE To Go and Lekkerland SE launching an autonomous store at Koblenz Central train station, Germany, also powered by AI smart cabinets in partnership with Reckon.ai.

The 65 sqm store is open 24/7. People can scan their card to enter and then a cashless means of payment at the payment terminal on a smart fridge, and take their items.

Weight sensors and computer vision cameras record which products have been removed. The amount due is automatically debited from the chosen payment method. In addition, there is the option of selecting products at smart vending machines with touch displays and then receiving them via an output compartment.

This is used in particular for tobacco and alcoholic products. Age verification by scanning an identity card or driver's licence ensures compliance with youth protection regulations.

Mehmet Tözge, Director Smart Store Development at Lekkerland SE, commented: "Customer preferences have changed. End consumers want to shop 24/7, quickly and with as few contacts as possible. We develop smart stores to meet the evolving expectations of end consumers."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

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

The awards. which will open for entries in March, 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.