A new face has joined the lineup of companies competing to create the best technology for a cashier-free checkout experience.
Key Details
- Israeli startup Trigo has raised $100 million to make technology for cashierless checkouts in brick-and mortar stores.
- Trigo is competing against major retailers like Amazon to create the most effective product.
- Using cameras and computer software to link shoppers with the products they pick up, Trigo is able to create a system that tracks customers’ purchases.
- Already, the company has its technology in six retail stores located in London, England, and Tel Aviv, Israel.
Why it’s news
As companies race to build the best cashierless checkout system, Trigo stands out with large investments being poured into the company. In all, the company has raised $204 million from its investors.
So far, the system has been used in smaller stores, which is standard practice for cashierless systems still working out bugs. But the company has plans to be used in major supermarkets in the next few years.
Currently, Amazon is in the lead when it comes to the best cashierless systems. Already, 26 Amazon Fresh grocery stores in the U.S. feature cashierless checkout options. Unlike other smaller systems, Amazon’s system operates in the 20,000-square-foot grocery store.
Amazon is already trying to sell its Just Walk Out system to other retailers like Starbucks, airports, and stadiums. Some retailers are hesitant to let Amazon in, however.
Trigo is one of the smaller companies trying to take advantage of that hesitancy. Technology for truly effective cashierless checkouts has been slow to develop. Amazon announced its Amazon Go store in 2016, but the technology hasn’t advanced much further since then.
Backing up a bit
Advances in AI technology and the labor shortage are driving an interest in developing technology to allow stores to operate with minimal in-person staff.
The advanced tech will also cut down on lines and wait time for customers leading to a more convenient shopping experience.
Amazon’s version of the tech known as Just Walk Out allows customers to walk into a store and be billed for items upon exit. The system is already in place at select Whole Foods, Amazon Go, and Amazon Fresh in addition to smaller scale stores at airports and sports stadiums.
Grabango is an app that offers a similar checkout experience. Though with this app, customers still stop at checkout kiosks before leaving the store. Supermarket chain Giant Eagle and gas stations Circle K, BP, and MAPCO all use this service.
Zippin allows customers to tap a payment card at a turnstile upon entering the store. The app tracks customers as they walk through the store. The tracking is linked to the users card. Dave & Busters and Barclays Center sports area use this method.
Another option still in development comes through grocery company Albertsons, which is testing a shopping cart that will tally customers’ grocery bill through a touchscreen on the front of the cart.
