Trigo, an Israel-based computer vision company providing retail with frictionless checkout technology, and Wakefern Food Corp., the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the U.S., have entered an agreement to pilot an autonomous supermarket making use of Trigo's AI-based frictionless checkout technology.
Shoppers will use an app to scan a QR code as they enter, and then will be free to pick up items and leave without having to checkout—there is no exit gate.
Following numerous launches with industry partners like the U.K,’s Tesco and Germany's Rewe, the Wakefern announcement marks Trigo's first foray into the U.S.
"With Trigo's frictionless technology, Wakefern Food Corp. is opening up access to cutting edge innovation for our members," said Charlie McWeeney, vice president of technology, innovation, and strategy for Wakefern Food Corp., in a statement. “We’re excited to pilot Trigo's solution and offer our consumers the ultimate in checkout convenience."
Trigo transforms existing supermarkets and grocers into fully autonomous, digital stores, combining their technology with Trigo computer vision to create a seamless shopping experience. Applying Trigo's GDPR [General Data Protection Regulation] compliant technology to various locations will allow retailers to successfully scale their business while maintaining their unique character and layout.
"Trigo is proud to work with some of the largest grocery retailers around the world, so partnering with Wakefern Food Corp., was a natural step for the company," said Michael Gabay, Trigo's co-founder and CEO. "By helping Wakefern convert some store formats, or develop new ones that are exclusive to their brands, we can help them accelerate their growth within the market and pave the way for frictionless shopping in the future.”
Wakefern, the logistics, distribution, and merchandising arm for ShopRite stores, is comprised of nearly 50 member companies that independently own and operate close to 360 retail supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, and Fairway Market banners.
Related: Instacart Acquires Caper AI; BP, Grabango Launch Automated Checkouts.