In the wake of Amazon and the supermarket chains rolling checkout-free stores, foodservice giant Compass has unveiled plans to launch a frictionless food-to-go store in a workplace.
The store, a first for the foodservice sector, is set to open in a Compass Ireland client site in South Dublin in early 2022, followed by additional openings in the UK over the next year. As well as offices, the units could be used by Compass in the sports, leisure, and defence sectors.
The new format will utilise AiFi’s AI-powered computer vision technology which uses sensors and cameras to detect what products shoppers choose. The stores will typically stock a selection of both hot and chilled ‘grab-n-go’ dishes, drinks and confectionery.
Similar to Amazon’s ‘just walk out’ system, customers of the Compass-operated stores will ‘check in’ when entering and then select from the product assortment, with no scanning and queuing to pay required. When they leave with their purchases, a receipt is delivered to their phone moments later.
The company stated that the frictionless stores would be utilised either at sites where vending-only solutions exist currently, or where the new format can be included as a part of a mix of self-service and serviced meal options. Compass staff will remain on hand to provide support to customers on-site.
Jon Braithwaite, Chief Innovation Officer at Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “This food-to-go solution is the ultimate in seamless shopping and forms part of our long-term digital transformation plans. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to add real value to the customer experience through technology, by offering great quality food round-the-clock, while delivering an experience which is as quick and frictionless as possible.”
Steve Gu, CEO & Founder, AiFi Inc., added: “AiFi is proud to partner with Compass Group to deploy our AI-powered frictionless shopping solution. We are combining the highest level of convenience with the very best locally sourced and prepared food offerings from Compass Group, producing a win-win for busy workers”.
