Circle K will pilot a touchless autonomous checkout solution in one of its Phoenix locations and plans to add the technology to other store locations. Circle K, a division of Alimentation Couche-Tard, will retrofit the store with technology from Standard Cognition that will allow shoppers to walk in, take the items they want and walk out without having to scan anything or wait to pay. The parent company operates nearly 14,500 convenience stores worldwide.
Unlike other cashierless solutions that use shelf sensors and biometric data, Standard’s technology uses ceiling-mounted cameras, proprietary AI and machine vision software to associate each shopper with their selected items. In the pilot store, shoppers can pay via a smartphone app for a completely touchless experience, or pay with cash or a card at a kiosk or traditional POS station.
In the retrofitted stores, Standard Cognition will integrate its technology with existing Circle K systems and work with the retailer’s current store layout, fixtures and lighting, as well as existing inventory management and replenishment processes.
“Autonomous checkout is one of our innovation priorities that enable us to make our customers’ lives a little easier every day,” said Magnus Tägtström, Head of Global Digital Innovation for Alimentation Couche-Tard in a statement. “We will not have to relocate merchandise, replace shelves or build an entirely new store to implement autonomous checkout.”
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Circle K also will be using insights from Standard Cognition to improve its understanding of the relationship between impulse shopping and autonomous checkout, with the goal of designing user experiences that balance operational efficiency, shopper satisfaction and financial optimization.