Helsinki-based Selfly Store has launched an intelligent cabinet series for automated, unmanned retail.

The company has expanded its range of RFID-enabled micro stores designed for contactless on-the-go purchasing. They enable hotels, offices and other venues to offer meals and snacks in a cost-efficient way as the intelligent cabinets are unmanned and fully digitalised.

The latest range consists of three intelligent cabinets suitable for different end uses. Selfly Fresh is for goods stored at room temperature, Selfly Cool for refrigerated meals and snacks, and Selfly Frozen for frozen items.

Unlike traditional snack and beverage dispensers, the intelligent cabinets use RFID, sensor, cloud computing and IoT technologies to enhance convenience for shoppers.

“The global pandemic has highlighted the need for contactless in retail,” said Aslak de Silva, CEO of Selfly Store. “Unmanned retail enables cost-efficiency advantages, while at the same time offering a convenient and pleasant experience for consumers. Unlike old-fashioned vending machines, Selfly allows consumers to easily select multiple items in one go.”

The RFID technology also allows store managers to keep track of expiry dates and inventory in real time. With less product loss, Selfly Store aims to make an impact in fighting food waste and emissions related to it.

“When comparing food waste generated from vending machines selling fresh food items, we are seeing a reduction of roughly 13% when using Selfly Store,” said de Silva. “This brings cost savings as well as clear environmental benefits.”

With hybrid working models and changing consumer behaviour, the machines can be implemented as an additional point of sales to various locations, for example workplaces, hotels, hospitals and sports centres. They provide unmanned round-the-clock service letting customers shop when it is most convenient.

The cabinets are designed and manufactured in Finland and shipped in 100% recyclable and plastic-free shipping packages. The platform is designed with the possibility to upgrade software remotely. All the latest software developments are available for existing users as well.

Selfly Store is a Finnish company owned by Stora Enso, a renewable materials company. Selfly Store develops and manufactures self-service technologies for the retail market, especially for B2C fresh food sales. It combines the traditional retail experience with developments in RFID technology.

The cabinets have been deployed in 16 countries across Europe. They are used by companies such as Sodexo.