Zhi Hao, Author at Goody Feed

It appears that technology has far transcended any hopes that our previous ancestors may have had. Mere decades ago, an entirely unmanned store would have been unthinkable. The robberies, they grieved. All the misfortune that would've happened. And yet, that notion seems to have been put to rest with Cheers' newest store concept: An AI-run convenience chain. Truly, it's incredible just how far our technology has come, within the span of mere years. Cheers Outlet in Our Tampines Hub So High-Tech, You Literally Grab & Go in It Cheers has unveiled the impossible at its outlet in Our Tampines Hub: Apparently, the store will run without the need for staff or even payment options. https://youtu.be/n8JrX_BMiLA Indeed, you simply have to walk in, get your stuff and leave – without any guilt whatsoever. As my editor so aptly puts it, you literally grab and go. And you don't even have to go to court for it. How Does It Work? The concept relies on the expertise of an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system, in order to operate effectively. Apparently, the system is able to track customers' actions, through cameras that occupy the store's ceiling. Any item removed from the shelves will be taken down automatically, and facial recognition technology is utilised for payment. Before customers can enter the store, they must make sure to have the Cheers SG app in their devices. A working mode of payment must also be enabled. Thereafter, they can either utilise the in-app facial recognition technology or process a special QR code to gain access to the store. Since the AI system and the app are linked, chosen items will be registered in a virtual shopping cart. When customers leave the store, "purchases" will be charged to their Visa cards. At the current moment, only customers with Visa accounts can frequent the outlet, as the AI system was reportedly created in conjunction with Visa. However, other payment methods are expected to be added in due time. Is It Safe? You know the drill. Is the system really that effective, considering all the loopholes that dog electronic systems worldwide? Well, it appears that at the very least, the creators have cast safety nets of sorts. Apparently, the AI is able to detect theft – one of the mischievous repercussions that the system may face. Should someone, for instance, open a can of soda, sip from it and then return it to the shelf, they will be barred from entering the store a second time. That's so high-tech shit here. In other words, perpetrators will be duly punished – through the age-old blacklist function. Cheers @ Our Tampines Hub Thus far, the smart outlet is prepped with 295 food and drink products. It does not, however, stock up on cigarettes or alcohol. Over the next couple of months, a staff member will be around as a guide if needed. Subsequently, the store will become truly unmanned. Should the concept prove to be successful, it could be rolled out to other outlets in the country. Not The First Instance Lest you're unaware, Cheers @ Our Tampines Hub is not the first to utilise such a system. Back in 2017, the chain unveiled its first unmanned and cashless store concept at Nanyang Polytechnic. Two more then followed suit at the National University of Singapore (NUS). However, those stores still needed customers to pay with their credit cards or smartphones. As such, Cheers @ Our Tampines Hub may not exactly be a trailblazer... But it's certainly the first to go through with just its advanced AI and app system. Featured Image: Facebook (Cheers)