Areas taps AiFi tech and leverages AI sensors and cameras for airport autonomous shopping experience

Global travel food and beverage and retail company, Areas, has launched two fully automated On Your Way stores at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The location at Madrid-Barajas Airport, the first of its kind in a Spanish airport, leverages AI powered sensors and cameras to allow customers to enter, select their items, and exit without manual checkout.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta International Airport location integrates AiFi’s computer vision technology to provide a 24/7 autonomous shopping experience.

In a LInkedIn post, Areas said: "To optimise queue management and enable automatic payments, these fully autonomous stores enhance convenience and optimise efficiency, setting a new standard in the industry. This initiative reinforces our commitment to innovation, following the recent launch of SELF, the world’s first AI powered robotic restaurant at Barcelona-El Prat Airport."

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 3rd July.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 23rd May: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 27th May: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 28th May - Friday, 13th June: Judging days

Thursday, 3rd July: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.