Unmanned Store Showcased at 'K-MAS Live Market' Event

Providing Information by Recognizing Products of Consumer Interest

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Cheol-hyun] The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Minister Park Young-sun, hereinafter referred to as the Ministry) announced on the 22nd that it is operating unmanned sales booths utilizing various smart technologies at the '2020 K-MAS Live Market' event held in the Samcheong-dong area of Seoul.

The 2020 K-MAS Live Market event runs until the 27th, and consumers visiting the Samcheong-ro online space can experience the unmanned sales booths and purchase exhibited products at up to 50% discounted prices. Additionally, the unmanned sales booths provide product promotion and sales opportunities to small business owners who are experiencing difficulties such as decreased sales due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

The Samcheong-ro unmanned sales booths consist of smart stands and unmanned vending machines incorporating contactless touch screen technology, and 'O2O (Online to Offline) sales booths' that link to online malls where products can be purchased by scanning QR codes. The smart stands use sensors to recognize hand movements when consumers bring their hands close to the displayed products, providing product information through monitor screens, integrating contactless touch screen technology to create a hygienic purchasing environment. They are mainly used for unmanned sales of products that require explanations of key ingredients and effects, such as medical devices, cosmetics, disinfectants, and masks. After payment on-site, customers can either take the products directly or enter their address to request delivery service.

The unmanned vending machines are equipped with automatic product recognition, payment functions, and refrigerated food storage capabilities, making them mainly used for unmanned sales of food products. Unlike traditional vending machines, they have the advantage of selling various items and sizes simultaneously according to consumer preferences, such as beverages, chicken, and fruits. The O2O sales booths are equipped with products and QR codes, allowing consumers to check the products directly and purchase desired items by scanning the product codes with their phones through online shopping malls such as 'Gachi Sapsida.'

Lee Jun-hee, head of the Ministry's Online Economy Promotion Division, stated, "We will use the 2020 K-MAS Live Market as an opportunity to accelerate the digitalization of small business owners."

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