The collaboration between the multi-energy company Galp and the provider of autonomous stores, Sensei, has led to the creation of the first autonomous and intelligent store in a service station from all over Europe.
The presence of technology for autonomous use in the retail sector is becoming increasingly important at a global level, since it allows retailers to replace the problems of managing collections with a better shopping experience. Thanks to this technology, customers will only have to enter the store, purchase the items they want and leave; no need to scan products or queue to pay for them.
Cameras installed on the ceiling and sensors located on the shelves recognize the items that customers place in their bags, pockets, backpacks, etc. – the use of baskets is not necessary -, and they are charged directly into their virtual wallets at the moment they leave the store, which avoids having to go to the checkout or stand in line. Sensei’s autonomous and intelligent store has a size of 30 square meters, it is located in one of the most emblematic places of Galp in LisbonAnd contains non-perishable products, food, snacks and drinks.
The stand-alone software recognizes each product, create and track each customer’s virtual shopping basket and charge the cost automatically through the Sensei app when leaving the store. In addition, soon, it will also be possible to access the store through a credit or debit card. This way, customers no longer have to scan or wait in line to pay for their products. They are being offered a shopping experience similar to that of the new AmazonGo supermarkets in the United States.
Based on the concept «Plug & Play: Autonomous Pod» of Sensei, which allows a fast and flexible installation, the store was operational in just a few days. Customers can now make their purchases in the store from 08:00 to 22:00 every day of the week. And soon it will be open 24/7.
Pioneers in Europe
According to Vasco Portugal, CEO of Sensei, “This announcement is a milestone for us. We are very proud to lead the way in autonomous innovation in Europe to improve people’s daily lives. The new store is a clear example of how we have gone one step further. Now, in addition to providing bespoke stand-alone stores for superstores, we also offer “Plug & Play” modular and mobile stores that easily adapt to the needs of any retailer. We are delighted to be pioneering this concept in Europe with Galp. This store is just the first of many that we plan to open with different partners in the coming months.”
This latest announcement comes in addition to the milestones recently achieved by Sensei for the retail sector, such as the launch of its first fully autonomous store in Europe, measuring 150 square metres, thanks to the agreement signed with the Continente brand, from Sonae , in May 2020.
“We are excited to launch this pioneering project for our customers, in collaboration with Sensei. This new smart store, which can be moved to any part of the Iberian Peninsula, allows us to offer an offer adapted to local events, facilitating the user experience: simplicity and speed”, adds Teresa Abecasis, member of the board of directors and Commercial COO of Galp.
Sensei is already working on a series of new collaborations to, in the near future, launch new autonomous and intelligent stores in more Galp service stations.
