The 7-Eleven convenience store chain in Japan is running a pilot trial using contactless self-checkout kiosks with holographic displays.

The holographic displays are equipped with Swedish firm Neonode’s touch sensor modules that make it possible to interact with the images projected by the holographic displays mid-air, in a similar way as someone would do with a normal touch display. The touch sensor modules were provided by Japanese firms Nexty Electronics and Kanda Kogyo.

Demand for contactless shopping has surged during the coronavirus pandemic and it takes up 30% less space than existing cash registers. The terminals thus give stores room for more products. The holographic self-checkout kiosks will accept only cashless payment methods, including credit cards, e-money cards and QR codes.

The trial has been running since last month at six 7-Eleven stores in Tokyo. 

“We are pleased and excited to see this initiative, where our technology is simplifying and enhancing the customer experience and making the interaction with the underlying device or system safer, more hygienic and more convenient to use, which further emphasises the importance of Neonode’s contactless touch technology in the retail segment,” said Urban Forssell, CEO of Neonode. “Thanks to a well-functioning partnership with our distributor Nexty Electronics and Kanda Kogyo, we have paved the way for a successful deployment.”

Operating officer Shinichirou Horita of Kanda Kogyo added: “We value the compact design and easy calibration system of the Neonode touch sensor modules, and quickly concluded it was a perfect fit for this new product.”

Neonode is a publicly traded company, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and established in 2001. The company provides optical sensing for contactless touch, touch, gesture control and in-cabin monitoring. Its technology is deployed in more than 75 million products and the company holds more than 120 patents worldwide. Neonode’s customer base includes Fortune 500 companies in the consumer electronics, office equipment, medical, avionics and automotive industries.