GS25 Partners with Card Companies to Open Future AI Convenience Store Without Checkout Counters

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] The convenience store industry is witnessing the spread of digital transformation trends (changes through digital innovation).

GS25 announced that it opened the future-oriented convenience store GS25 Eulji Smart Branch at the BC Card headquarters on the 14th, in collaboration with BC Card and Smartro.

In September 2018, GS25 introduced the industry’s first unmanned smart GS25 equipped with facial recognition payment systems and smart scanners in Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu. GS25 evaluates that the newly introduced future-oriented GS25 operates without a checkout counter, realizing a more advanced second-generation digital transformation store.

The future-oriented GS25 will conduct various tests related to future digital distribution technologies, including △personal identification via QR code △deep learning smart cameras for customer behavior △weight detection sensors for inventory tracking △customer greetings through video recognition speakers △AI-powered payment systems.

The future-oriented GS25 also secured broad scalability by utilizing the technology of BC Paybook (BC Card’s mobile payment app), which is used by over 8 million people. Customers must scan the QR code from BC Paybook at the speed gate (the entrance door of the future-oriented GS25) to enter. Once inside, 34 deep learning smart cameras recognize customer behavior.

A total of about 300 weight detection sensors installed on each display shelf detect what items and how much customers pick, learning and analyzing customer consumption behavior together with the deep learning smart cameras. After selecting items and passing through the speed gate, the AI-powered payment system automatically processes the payment and provides customers with a mobile receipt.

In addition to advanced technologies related to the purchasing process, video recognition speaker operation technology for friendly service is also introduced. The video recognition speaker is a device that plays pre-set voice guidance through speakers when the camera detects customers in specific locations or performing specific actions. At the future-oriented GS25, this technology is used to greet customers and provide guidance.

In the future, various and engaging technologies will gradually be introduced, such as guiding customers that their choice is wise when selecting specific PB products in front of the display or announcing promotional products when approaching the gift product display.

GS25 plans to elevate future digital distribution technologies to a more perfect level and expand the future-oriented GS25. GS25 expects that it can be primarily applied to special stores requiring unmanned store expansion within concentrated facilities, satellite store operations needing operational efficiency, and stores closed at night.

A GS25 official said, “Attempts at digital transformation using AI and deep learning technologies are actively progressing across various industries,” adding, “Through operating the future-oriented GS25, we aim not only to showcase advanced technologies but also to provide franchise owners with various technologies for operational convenience and efficiency, and to offer customers a new digital shopping experience.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.