Busy Tokyo-ites can now make use of a staffless convenience store during their commute.
Starting today, the experimental store at Akabane station in northern Tokyo is accessible to commuters who tap their Suica – a popular travel and prepaid card – at the entrance.
The robo-store has 80 cameras – including ones embedded into the shelves – to watch what shoppers pick up, reports NHK.
Footage credit: NHK
An image recognition and AI system then calculates the bill, which shoppers pay by tapping their Suica before exiting.
Footage credit: NHK
East Japan Railway, Suica’s creator, is trailing one store at Akabane station for two months before possible expansion, according to the Japanese news channel.
Japan has long had a love affair with convenience stores and vending machines, so this hi-tech blend of both things could be a big hit.
Cashierless stores have already taken off in China, where people pay with their phones via one of two hugely popular wallet apps.
Footage credit: Bingobox
Retail revolution:
Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.
Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.
