Now pay for groceries using facial recognition at Astra Tech’s new B Store

Image: Astra Tech

Consumer technology holding group Astra Tech has launched its first autonomous shopping store in Abu Dhabi’s Sky Tower, the brick-and-mortar location which operates only using artificial intelligence (AI).

Through ‘B Store’, an innovative retail concept, Astra tech aims to transform the shopping experience in the UAE through faster payment processing and fewer hassles.

Powered by advanced AI technology and cloud integration, B Store offers a seamless and fully automated shopping experience that lets shoppers pay for their purchases by simply using their faces.

Integrating facial recognition technology for customer payments in an autonomous store is a unique offering, says Astra Tech.

The store offers grocery items with extended shelf life, ensuring customer satisfaction and convenience.

At B Store, shoppers can expect a hassle-free journey from start to finish, as the process is designed to provide a seamless and convenient shopping experience.

Here’s how the tech works at B Store

• Upon approaching the entry gates, the customer is greeted with an ELO screen displaying a message: “Tap or Scan to Enter”.
• Customers have the option to pay using the POS machine by tapping their card or using Payby’s FacePay feature; users can act out the action instead of selecting an on screen.
• For card payments, customers proceed to tap the POS machine with their card, while for FacePay, they move to the FacePay machine and simply look at it.
• Once the payment method is completed, the ELO screen will initiate a question about their receipt.
• When selecting their preferred option, the gates open, granting access to the store. Inside the store, customers can comfortably retrieve their desired items in the most convenient and smooth manner.
• Upon leaving, they receive a text message on the provided phone number, expressing gratitude for their trip and informing them that their receipt is being processed. A subsequent message contains a hyperlink, allowing customers to click and view their receipt conveniently.

Valeriya Thores, autonomous e-commerce director at Astra Tech said: “We are thrilled to introduce the first-ever B Store and redefine the future of retail. This innovative integration of facial recognition technology revolutionises the way we shop and showcases our commitment to providing unparalleled convenience and security. Step into the future of retail with B Store, where your face becomes your ultimate payment method. Our vision has always been to simplify the everyday for our customers, and this is another step in that direction.”

The company’s ultra app is taking its offerings one step further by harnessing the power of AI and creating an autonomous store where customers can seamlessly complete transactions using the power of their faces.

In other news, in January, Astra Tech acquired Botim, a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solution for the MENA region, to relaunch into an ‘ultra app.’

Abu Dhabi’s G42 has led a $500m fundraising effort to support the relaunch.

The company will continue pursuing strategic acquisitions for Botim while working synergistically with its architecture, research, development and tech teams to accelerate the design and development process.

Currently, Botim has 90 million registered users and 25 million active users. The acquisition gives Astra Tech an advantage as it plans to expand beyond super apps and build the region’s first ultra app with Botim. Additional plans for Botim, are expected to be announced in Q1 of 2023.