Kozminski Techblog

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Introduction

Nano Żabka is the latest innovation from Żabka Poland LLC and it has become the largest autonomous stores chain in Europe. They have already 50 stores operating without employees. Customers before entering the store have to scan QR code from the app or make a test payment using their credit card in case of not having “Żappka”. After doing that, door is unlocking and you are able to do the shopping. Every taken product is automatically added to your bill. What if you change your mind? Just place it where it was before. The system will notice that and remove it from your virtual cart. After taking all necessary things simply leave the store and the payment will be automatically done using the provided information.

But how does it work from technical point of view?

Nano Żabka uses a variety of technologies to operate, including:

• Cameras: Cameras are used to track customers and identify the items they pick up. Nano Żabka many types of camera technologies, including high-definition cameras, low-light cameras, and thermal cameras.
• Sensors: Nano Żabka uses sensors to detect when a customer enters or leaves the store and to track the location of items on the shelves. Nano Żabka uses a variety of sensor technologies, including weight sensors, RFID sensors, and optical sensors.
• Artificial intelligence: Artificial intelligence is used to analyze customer data and identify trends. Nano Żabka uses artificial intelligence to improve its inventory management, product selection, and marketing campaigns.

Benefits

Autonomous stores have several conveniences for customers. The most obvious is that it is opened 24 hours a day, everyday. When there is a restriction relating to retail on Sundays, stores without human employees are a serious game changer. Another encouraging factor is no waiting time. Nobody has to wait in queues as there are no checkouts and the number of people shopping at the same time is not limited.

Drawbacks and risks

One of drawbacks of such innovation for some people might be a lack of interaction with assistant, so as well no possibility to ask for any recommendation or help if customer needs it. Another problem is that people who are not tech-savvy are excluded from shopping there. However these issues are not as serious as the risk associated with privacy. All the time multiple cameras are following and recognizing people as well as gathering data about their purchases and payment information provided before entering the stores. Everything in total gives extensive and specific data about customers which can be sold or used in negative way for them.

Conclusion

Nano Żabka is a very innovative idea with quickly expanding store chain and probably a milestone in retail. Various conveniences, fast payments, no queues, all of these will encourage people to shop there, but without any statements or law regulations about data gathering by the companies it is risky. Nobody wants their information to be sold or revealed to third party

Sources

“https://www.globalconveniencestorefocus.co.uk/features/zabka-the-ultimate-convenience-ecosystem-in-poland/”

“https://nano.zabka.pl/#how-to-buy”

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Prompt: “How does nano żabka work from technical point of view?”