French retail chain Monoprix is testing an automated store based on artificial intelligence at its headquarters in in Clichy, Paris.

Part of Group Casino, Monoprix is offering the digital shopping experience to meet new customer expectations.

There is no need to download an app or to hold a company badge to enter the box. Shoppers just need to scan a credit card to enter the store. They can then take whatever products they want and go out without going through a cashier system.

Weighing technology based on the IoT and developed by Israeli firm Shekel Brainweigh allows the store to identify the products taken. The shopper then needs to validate their basket to exit the store.

“It is exciting for Shekel Brainweigh that our AI-driven product aware smart shelves are driving this world first trial,” said Danny Nadri, a manager at Shekel Brainweigh. “Autonomous shopping and checkout experiences are the way of the future. We have experienced similar interest in Australia for autonomous shopping, and we look forward to introducing similar product trials in the future.”

This 18m² store offers more than 300 products, chosen among the best sales of Monop’. These are mainly snacking and hygiene products, available round the clock. The target clients are those who need to buy something to eat quickly or to shop when traditional stores are closed.

For now, it is being tested with the Monop’ banner and is accessible to Monoprix employees. It will be set-up in a location opened to the public by the end of the year. Discussions are on-going with places such as airports, hospitals and company headquarters.