A futuristic, autonomous shopping store has recently opened at Sky Tower, Abu Dhabi.
Aptly named “B Store,” this imaginative brick-and-mortar establishment operates exclusively through the power of artificial intelligence (AI). With faster payment processing and minimal hassles, B Store is transforming the shopping experience in the UAE.
Launched by Astra Tech, the store leverages cutting-edge AI technology and seamless cloud integration to offer a fully automated and flawless shopping journey, enabling customers to pay for their purchases effortlessly using facial recognition.
What sets Astra apart is its unique integration of facial recognition technology for customer payments in an autonomous store. By focusing on grocery items with extended shelf life, B Store ensures utmost customer satisfaction and convenience. This ingenious combination not only demonstrates Astra’s commitment to expanding and enriching its services but also signifies a significant leap forward in the realm of retail innovation.
At B Store, shoppers can anticipate a hassle-free journey from beginning to end, meticulously designed to deliver a seamless and convenient shopping experience.
As customers approach the entry gates, they are greeted by an ELO screen displaying the message “Tap or Scan to Enter.” They have the option to pay by tapping their card on the POS machine or opt for the revolutionary FacePay by Payby, which allows users to complete the transaction by merely performing the action, bypassing on-screen selection. For card payments, customers simply tap the POS machine with their card, while for FacePay, they proceed to the FacePay machine and effortlessly gaze into it. Once the payment is complete, the ELO screen prompts customers to choose their receipt preference.
After making their preferred selection, the gates swing open, granting access to the store. Inside, customers can comfortably retrieve their desired items in the most convenient and smooth manner. Upon leaving, they receive a text message on the provided phone number expressing gratitude for their visit and notifying them that their receipt is being processed. A subsequent message contains a hyperlink, enabling customers to conveniently click and view their receipt.
“We are thrilled to introduce the first-ever B Store and redefine the future of retail,” said Valeriya Thores, the Autonomous E-Commerce Director at Astra Tech.
This innovative integration of facial recognition technology revolutionises the way we shop and showcases our commitment to providing unparalleled convenience and security. Step into the future of retail with B Store, where your face becomes your ultimate payment method. Our vision has always been to simplify the everyday for our customers, and this is another step in that direction.”
Taking its offerings to the next level, the Ultra app harnesses the power of AI to create an autonomous store, allowing customers to effortlessly complete transactions using the power of their faces. With its pioneering vision, Astra Tech is propelling the industry forward, reimagining the future, and cementing its leading position at the forefront of the regional technology sector.
