Contactless, checkout-free shopping to be piloted in ALDI

Leading supermarket operator Aldi Nord is set to pilot a checkout-free store in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Powered by Trigo technology, the frictionless checkout method will be introduced to the store early next year. 

Customers will have to scan a QR code to enter the store, and self sensors and camera technology will track all items. 

Aldi plans to use artificial intelligence-driven technology solely to ring up customers during the test, which will be carried out over 12 months.

Jan Oostvogels, CEO of Aldi Netherlands, said: "The high degree of digitalisation in the Netherlands means that we are convinced that we have the right climate to trial new technologies such as these". The new concept will not be found in other countries any time soon: first, it will be extensively tested and evaluated next year. What happens after that remains to be seen."

Michael Gabay, Trigo Co-Founder and CEO, comments: "With frictionless technology, the general public will be able to experience the ease of shopping, while retailers will benefit from better inventory control, shrinkage reduction, as well as a positive customer service focus."