CashierBot bags big funding as retail technology startup preps launch of robot powered supermarket checkouts

Are traditional checkouts and self-checkouts about to become a thing of the past?

US startup CashierBot certainly thinks so. The firm has raised $150 million in Series A funding to develop what is pitched as a first of its kind solution specifically for people who hate waiting in line at grocery stores.

This takes total funding to date to $570 million.

Tapping AI, machine learning, blockchain, AR, VR, 3D, spatial intelligence, and computer vision technology, CashierBot's Marge solution (named after the founder's mother who worked as a supermarket cashier for 30+ years) aims to simplify and speed up the experience of checking out at a grocery store.

According to those involved, it takes up less space than traditional checkouts, works much faster and harder than its human counterparts, senses customer moods and responds accordingly, answers questions, and provides retailer insights about items purchased.

Art Vandelay, Founder and CEO at CashierBot, says: "Let's face it, no one likes waiting in line at the grocery store, and there's nothing worse than being forced to make small talk with disinterested, often downright rude, human cashiers. Self-checkouts also suck (you want to buy alcohol, sorry, I don’t think so...give me a break!) and don't get me started on nonsense offerings like Amazon's Just Walk Out technology. They should change it to, Just Give Up!"

CashierBot says that it is working with a major grocery retailer in the US to pilot the Marge solution. Initial results have been "absolutely amazing, off the charts", according to Vanderlay.

"We're going to change the face of retail forever!" he adds. "We envision a future where all grocery stores around the world have no human cashiers, and Marges are everywhere, scanning items in record time, regaling customers with amusing anecdotes, and providing valuable consumer behaviour data to the retailer."

CashierBot says it will use the latest funding to pay for product development, a cool new company logo, an expensive team getaway to Las Vegas, and a lavish PR campaign.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Checkout technology 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.