Utilizing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Smile Recognition Technology
Use your Smile to unlock the unmanned retail world
Great experiences via the Robotic Coffee Machine and QR Code Tunnel
(September 5, 2018 – Hong Kong) AlipayHK has been taking a leading role in popularizing mobile payment in Hong Kong and creating a super lifestyle platform for local users. In addition to daily bill payments, online and offline shopping, by collaborating with Olympian City of Sino Group, AlipayHK is bringing an all-round upgraded retail shopping experience to customers in Hong Kong: the launch of the first unmanned AlipayHK Next Store today. From now until 1 October, users can use their e-wallets to enter the store, and by utilizing the latest technology, the products selected are automatically scanned when checking out. Users can also enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee made by automatic intelligent robotic arms, while getting to grips with the latest breakthroughs in futuristic retail.
AlipayHK Next Store is jointly created by AlipayHK and Olympian City, occupying a space of over 4,000 square feet, with a stylish design and comfortable ambience. All of the in-store products are fashion boutiques and clothing, users can enjoy a quick and simple shopping journey by automatic scanning selected products. A QR code tunnel represents a good photo spot for customers to check-in on social media, while at the same time discovering shopping offers of stores in Olympian City that are hidden in the tunnel. AlipayHK Next Store introduces automatic intelligent robotic arms to offer free tasting of freshly blended coffee, as well as having local celebrities host singing performances on Sundays, giving the shocking impaction of vision, taste and hearing brought by technology.
Jennifer Tan, CEO of Alipay Payment Services (HK) Limited (APSHK) expressed, “AlipayHK has always wanted to bring a brand new retail experience to Hong Kong consumers. The launch of the unmanned store symbolizes AlipayHK bringing our users to a new retail era. We identified a number of innovative elements to create a unique consumer experience in the core semi-residential area of the West Kowloon District, and in doing so hope to provide first-hand experience of ‘New Retail New Experiences’ to customers. We are very grateful to our partners, who have also actively promoted the smart lifestyle, helping us create this first and largest over 4,000 square feet unmanned store in Hong Kong. This is just an initial step of AlipayHK promoting the ‘New retail New Experience’, and we will be bringing further advanced experiences to different districts in Hong Kong.”
Mr. Tony Budhrani, General Manager of Sino Group’s Leasing Department, said: “Olympian City has always been proactive in bringing the latest technology to our mall, letting customers fully enjoy their lives through technology. In addition to the regular OC STEM Lab which is fully committed to the development of technology and STEM, we are honoured to partner with AlipayHK to create this unmanned store. We see the trend of increasing use of e-wallets in different merchants, and the ‘New Retail New Experience’ can truly integrate technology into life and bring more convenience and shopping fun to the public.”
RFID and Smile Recognition Technology Unlock the Ultimate Experience
In order to challenge the traditional retail model, AlipayHK has partnered with EFT Payments (Asia) Limited, a local POS provider for electronic payment, to bring the latest Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to the store.
Unlike traditional retail stores, AlipayHK has used RFID technology in its payment process. The user selects products from the shelf, and the system can identify the product through the payment sensor automatically at checkout. After confirming that the product list is correct, the user scans the QR code on the electronic screen and confirms the payment by using the electronic wallet. The entire process is simple, fast and convenient, and can be easily completed without the help of a shop assistant.
Mr. Lo Chun Kit Andrew, founder of EFT Payments (Asia) Limited said, “Being the leading electronic payment solution provider in Hong Kong, we are committed to provide one-stop payment and new retail solutions to our clients. With the deployment of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in AlipayHK Next Store, sales process is now more efficient and customers can enjoy exceptional shopping experience while keeping the payment process more secure. We believe that such underlying trend bodes well for the prospect of self-service consumption models in Hong Kong.”
The gate of AlipayHK Next store uses smile recognition technology. By smiling at the camera, once the system detects the facial expression of a smile, it will generate a QR code. Then using the electronic wallet to scan the QR code, the gate will open, and you can enter the unmanned store.
Joining forces with Olympian City to provide Hidden Surprises in the QR tunnel
In addition to allowing users to enjoy a fully automated shopping experience, the store has a QR code tunnel, and users can walk into the tunnel to experience the latest innovation. Every QR code in the tunnel represents a hidden surprise, and users can use the e-wallet to scan for offers from different Olympian City merchants, exclusive for AlipayHK Next Store customers.
To celebrate the opening of AlipayHK Next Store, all e-wallet users can receive the “Next Store Offer” (HK$10 e-cash coupon) during the promotion period (September 5th to October 1st). At the same time, AlipayHK and Olympian City also have jointly launched the “Olympian City Welcome Reward”. New users can receive Olympian City‘s exclusive welcome offer worth HK$50 in their e-wallet during the promotional period which can be used at designated merchant stores in Olympian City. If you spend HK$200 in one single transaction in designated shops, you can get 1 e-stamp from Olympian City’s “the sky”. Collect 3 e-stamps and you can use HK$1 to redeem one movie ticket at the AlipayHK Next Store. In addition to the surprising offer, AlipayHK and Olympian City will hold Guided Tours to enable the children to learn more about the concepts and knowledge of technology engineering inspiring their creativities.
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