7Fresh’ first store recently opened in Beijing’s Dazu Plaza Shopping Center, near the owner JD’s head office.
The customer must download the mobile app and check-out the cart at the start of the shop by scanning a QR code on the cart. The customer puts on a tracking wristband which prompts the autonomous cart to then follow the customer around the store as they fill the cart. Items that go in the cart are then automatically scanned.
At the end of the shop, the customer shows their face to a camera which recognises their face and takes the payment.
Features of the Smart Shopping Carts at 7Fresh are:
- Automatic Tracking:
- The smart shopping carts are equipped with sensors and RFID technology that allow them to automatically follow the shopper around the store. This eliminates the need for manual pushing and enhances convenience.
- Interactive Touchscreen:
- Each cart has a built-in touchscreen that provides real-time information about products, promotions, and store navigation. This helps shoppers locate items and find the fastest route through the store.
- Product Scanning:
- Shoppers can scan items directly from the cart’s touchscreen as they add products. This feature helps keep track of the total cost of purchases in real-time and speeds up the checkout process.
- Personalized Recommendations:
- The system can suggest additional products based on the shopper’s current selections and previous purchase history, offering a more personalized shopping experience.
- Checkout Integration:
- The carts are designed to integrate seamlessly with the store’s checkout system. Once shopping is complete, the cart can facilitate a quick and efficient checkout process, reducing wait times.
- Inventory Management:
- Data collected from the carts can help 7Fresh manage inventory more effectively by providing insights into shopping patterns and product popularity.