Today, technology has advanced so much that we’ve gone from conventional stores and checkout systems to fully autonomous ones.
Autonomous checkout counters have become increasingly popular thanks to their efficiency and fast service. In 2018, there were an estimated 350 stores in the world with fully autonomous checkout systems, but by 2024, there were more than 10,000 stores.
If you’re wondering in which scenarios this technology can be installed or whether checkout systems are a good idea for your stores, here are all the relevant use cases.
1. Gas Stations
Gas stations experience high traffic almost all the time, which is why it’s important to ensure there are no bottlenecks or unnecessary waiting queues at the checkout counters.
Traditional gas stations have always been a place of convenience for travellers, tourists, and even locals.
Most have a small grab-and-go store stocked with snacks and other essentials. However, these stations often have outdated POS systems that can cause customers to wait indefinitely in the checkout aisles, especially if the stores are understaffed.
Autonomous checkout companies ensure buyers can quickly purchase the items they want without waiting in long lines at gas stations.
2. Sports and Concert Stadiums
Sports and concert stadiums are another great venue where you can use autonomous checkout systems.
Stadiums are always jam-packed with fans hoping to buy quick drinks, food, and fan merchandise like t-shirts and caps. During intermissions or half-time, thousands of fans gather outside the kiosks to grab quick snacks.
Long lines will frustrate fans, especially if the checkout counters don’t accept cashless payments.
Autonomous checkout counters in stadiums reduce waiting times.
Fans can scan their cards or pay through their e-wallets. The AI system will automatically track their selections and charge their accounts accordingly.
3. Office and University Cafeterias
Office cafeterias and university canteens have also started introducing autonomous checkout solutions, where office workers and students can easily purchase grab-and-go snacks and lunch items.
This is especially useful in large campuses with no retail stores nearby. Here, you can easily fit into autonomous stores. With minimal space and staff, these stores can be installed anywhere.
Moreover, autonomous stores are open 24/7, a significant advantage for professionals and students who want to eat or buy something late at night.
These stores can also be customized according to the institute’s needs. For example, a college might store ready-to-eat meals, while an IT company might store energy drinks and wearables.
4. Hotels and Gyms
Commercial spaces like hotels and gyms often set up autonomous checkout systems to facilitate clients’ purchases of small items.
For example, you might have seen numerous hotel lobbies or fitness centres stocked with late-night snacks and energy bars. These are ideal places for autonomous stores because these kiosks can be scaled to fit inside small commercial areas.
Hotels can stock up on small travel essentials, such as sleeping pillows, travel pouches, and other items, and gyms and fitness centres can keep towels, energy bars, and protein shakes.
Since the stores operate with minimal oversight, they are well-suited for areas without traditional stores or staff and create a convenient shopping experience.
5. Residential Buildings
Residential buildings are also ideal places to install autonomous checkout counters if the apartment is located away from major retail stores.
These stores can sell essential supplies, such as groceries, ready-made snacks, toiletries, and pet supplies, to residents who might need them.
Moreover, autonomous retail stores are open 24/7 and don’t require human staff to handle the checkout systems. This is especially effective in residential apartments, where hiring store staff at night isn’t difficult.
Residents can easily go to the store, buy their desired items, and check out using cashless payment methods. Many apartments might also have a tie-up with the AI platform in the store, helping the residents earn loyalty points.
6. Airports and Train Stations
Airports and train stations are among the busiest public places anywhere. Here, it’s essential to keep retail stores stocked constantly. Since every minute counts in these places, customers can’t be kept waiting in queues.
Autonomous vending shops and checkout counters keep the lines moving by letting customers enter, look through the products they want, and purchase quickly.
Conclusion
Autonomous checkout counters have made lives easier by providing an efficient and quick way of shopping. If you’re also planning to install a retail store in a residential or commercial space, contact an autonomous checkout store service provider today!
