Introducing the Cloudpick AI unmanned retail solution to create the first automated store

Customer requirements

Looking at the current landscape, the concept of digitalization, smartification, and automation in stores is spreading globally. This trend confirms that the traditional retail industry is undergoing an irreversible transformation. Especially in the payment process, an increasing number of customers are unwilling to waste too much time waiting in line at the checkout. Therefore, streamlining the checkout process is likely to become a crucial path for retailers to create the ultimate shopping experience. As the second-largest retail business in France and a Fortune Global 500 company, Auchan is also actively exploring this path.

Cloudpick Solution

The Cloudpick AI intelligent unmanned store solution adopts cutting-edge technologies such as AI computer vision, deep learning, and multi-sensor fusion to create a smart and digitized solution:

• Cloudpick AI Intelligent Unmanned Store: Utilizes computer vision, deep learning, and multi-sensor fusion technologies. Precisely identifies customer actions of picking up and putting back products. Enables automatic settlement when customers exit the store.

• Cloudpick Store Digitized Management System: Allows operators to monitor store operations anytime, anywhere. Facilitates online ordering, price adjustments, event settings, and provides alerts for out-of-stock items. Enables remote control and management of the store.

Result

Auchan Go, the first automated store launched by Auchan in Lille, France, is located at the renowned business school, Ecole de Hautes Etudes Commerciales (EDHEC). The store aims to provide a convenient shopping experience with "grab and go, contactless payment" for daily needs of students, faculty, and staff.

While many stores in the market have introduced RFID technology or self-checkout solutions, Auchan Go stands out with the use of leading-edge technologies such as computer vision, deep learning, and multi-sensor fusion. The Cloudpick AI system can almost perfectly track consumers' shopping behavior, allowing for automatic settlement when customers exit, whether they hold the products in hand or place them in pockets or bags. After experiencing Auchan Go, the EDHEC community was impressed by the convenience brought by the automated store.

Meanwhile, EDHEC has also introduced dedicated educational courses to organize students in researching Auchan Go's business model, providing insights for its better operational performance within the campus environment.

In addition to offering an unprecedented shopping experience, the Cloudpick AI solution empowers Auchan Go offline stores to enter a new phase of development. Through big data analysis, the store can gain insights into customer preferences, category preferences, and purchasing power, enabling a more targeted product structure to enhance sales and efficiency. The digitization of inventory allows real-time monitoring, notifying relevant personnel promptly about any shelf vacancies. With automated checkout and remote control, the store can operate 24/7 at lower costs, further expanding revenue opportunities.

Jeff Feng highlighted, "Various factors are driving the rapid development of traditional retail, including the impact of e-commerce, the higher demand for convenience from Generation Z, and safety concerns caused by the global pandemic in recent years. Fortunately, the emergence of automated stores allows traditional retailers to breathe a sigh of relief."

Customer Testimonial

In an interview, Anne Zuccarelli, the Student Affairs Head, mentioned, "This solution not only looks appealing but also genuinely creates additional value that everyone can experience firsthand. We hope to make everyone's daily life more relaxed and enjoyable by offering such innovative services."

A senior partner at Cathay Capital, the investor of Cloudpick stated, "Cloudpick empowers global retailers with a scalable and mature technological solution for smart operations. Kaihui is pleased to facilitate deep cooperation between Auchan and Cloudpick through the global ecosystem. This collaboration will help Cloudpick accelerate expansion and deployment in the European market while introducing cutting-edge retail technology to Auchan for a faster and more convenient shopping experience."