AI and machine learning checkout-free technology enabled Zippin smart stores to launch during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Qatar based Al Meera Consumer Goods is partnering with Zippin, to ensure the fully autonomous stores will be launched in strategic locations across Qatar.
The stores will provide visitors with snacks, beverages, grab-and-go meals, and other essential items in a seamless and cashier-less process.
Al Meera stated: “We are excited to introduce these new checkout-free stores to make shopping more convenient and fun for our customers. This step is part of our expansion plans to ensure that our services are always within the reach of all consumers. In addition, it is in line with Qatar’s strategy to achieve digital transformation, using modern technology solutions to promote cashless payment solutions and facilitate economic growth in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030.
The AI enabled checkout-free stores’ software automatically identifies the items picked or put back, using overhead cameras and sensors, and creates a virtual shopping cart for each shopper. The shopper can put the items in their pocket, bag, or simply carry them and the software will directly charge the cost of the purchased items from the customers’ credit card as soon as they leave the shop. The stores will significantly reduce the time customers spend to buy a drink or snack from minutes to seconds.
The first outlet of the unmanned stores is planned to its open doors to customers during the much-awaited upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar as part of Al Meera’s various initiatives to ensure that residents and visitors to Qatar during the mega event have a memorable experience and contribute to the resounding success of the tournament.
“We’re excited to partner with Al Meera, delivering frictionless shopping to their customers,” said Krishna Motukuri, Zippin CEO and co-founder. “Having Zippin-powered stores in the Middle East for the first time shows the impressive traction of checkout-free shopping around the world. It’s clear that shoppers love the convenience and speed: something we’ve proven time and again with each new Zippin-powered store.”
Zippin combines vision cognition technology with machine learning to accurately account for shoppers’ behaviour and products’ whereabouts in-store. To date, 60 Zippin-powered stores have been launched around the world serving 625,000 shoppers. The Zippin-powered stores have helped save 104,000 shopping hours by eliminating checkout lines.
