Xpand and CAMPO Group team on launch of autonomous convenience store in Vienna, Austria

Xpand (formerly known as 1MRobotics) has announced the opening of its first European store in Vienna, the capital of Austria.

Located next to Mariahilferstraße, this is the result of a first collaboration with CAMPO Group, a robotics and AI automation platform provider.

It brings Xpand's “store-in-a-box” technology to consumers, offering a full convenience assortment of ambient, chilled, and frozen goods. Powered by AI, robotics, and real-time inventory management, the unmanned store promises frictionless, 24/7 shopping with zero labor and full loss prevention.

The opening follows a funding round led by Ibex Investors and Emerge, with participation from Xpand's leadership team, including CEO Joel Bar-El. The cash will support global expansion.

"Opening our first international store in Vienna marks a pivotal moment in our mission to make autonomous retail accessible worldwide," says Bar-El. "This store demonstrates how our AI driven technology transforms the retail experience while maximising operational efficiency."

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 this 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.