autoSKLEP – Research and development of a prototype unmanned point of sale based on multimodal identification techniques

Project objectives

The aim of the project is to carry out research and development work leading to the development of a prototype of an unmanned FMCG point of sale, based on automated technical components, where the purchasing process takes place via unmanned checkout counters and is settled without cash or payment cards.

The point of sale of the new format will make use of multimodal identification techniques such as RFID and image analysis with the support of artificial intelligence, and will allow the automation of stock management and merchandise ordering. The added value will be the synergy effect resulting from the simultaneous use of different technologies in the shop. The R&D work will aim to develop, among other things, a customer identification and tracking system, an unmanned checkout point, an intelligent shelf, a shopping verification gate and an RFID tagging system. These tasks will be complemented by the development of a software layer for billing purchases to the end customer and integrating all components of the system.

Results

The new shop format will respond to market demand related to the desire to reduce the time spent queuing in shops, the security of transactions, an efficient payment system and the reduction of product and energy waste. The target group for the project result is young and middle-aged people, looking for convenience in their daily lives and wishing to reduce the time spent on daily chores (work-life balance). Such customers often use convenience stores, where they can do their daily shopping quickly. This target group is also characterised by its openness to new technologies. The result of the project will meet these needs by offering 24-hour product availability, an assortment tailored to the group’s needs and a seamless shopping process without cash, tills or queues.