中国的全自动无人便利店
Last month, a Chinese startup opened its first outlet in Shanghai after a few months of testing in its home city, Zhongshan, in southern China. A shopper opens the door – and registers with the startup – through WeChat, the popular messaging app. Although small, the Bingobox store stocks hundreds of items – including a small selection of fresh foods. The customer has to scan each item’s barcode. And then pay on their phone, either via WeChat or Alibaba’s mobile wallet app, Alipay. As you leave the store, a camera checks you’re taking out only the stuff you paid for. In-store cameras use facial recognition to check for unregistered users who shouldn’t be on the premises. While each store is unmanned, a human customer support line is available via video link. Each Bingobox store is mobile, so the franchise owner can put it where they like. A human staffer is needed for stock-taking and refilling purposes – which the startup claims can be done in just 20 minutes. The startup is trying to woo franchise owners with the promise that only four staffers are needed to run 40 stores. |