SPAIN/USA. Global travel food & beverage and retail company Areas has announced the launch of its fully automated store brand On Your Way.
The first stores have opened at Spain’s Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport Terminal 4 Satellite and the USA’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Concourse E.
The autonomous airport stores leverage cutting-edge technology to optimise operational efficiency. They enable travellers to shop seamlessly by linking their credit card to their unique profile, eliminating the need for manual scanning or payment processes.
Both stores offers a curated selection of products, including food and beverages, travel essentials, kids’ toys and personal hygiene items.
Upon entering the 50sq m Madrid-Barajas Airport store, where Areas has partnered with technology company AEV, customers simply use their credit card to unlock the entrance. Inside, over 30 cameras track their movements and, with the help of advanced weight sensors on each shelf, automatically log the products selected.
When the customer exits, the system automatically charges the linked credit card for the items they’ve chosen, ensuring a fast, interruption-free shopping experience.
“This automated store is a further step in transforming the travel retail experience,” said Areas Iberia CEO Sergio Rodríguez. “Our commitment to innovation allows us to offer streamlined and convenient solutions that meet the evolving needs of today’s travellers.”
The 52sq m Hartsfield-Jackson Airport store uses AI-powered computer vision technology developed by US company AiFi. It tracks shoppers and recognises products as they are selected.
The system is integrated into Areas’ Oracle point-of-sale, providing a completely frictionless experience.
Again, shoppers are automatically charged for their items without the need for manual checkouts, and receipts are available instantly if requested.
Areas Director of Brands & Concepts Sal Mendola said, “We’re incredibly excited to launch On Your Way at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Now more than ever, our guests expect quick, seamless solutions.
“We’ve worked tirelessly with our partners at AiFi to curate an autonomous solution that transforms the convenience retail experience, allowing our guests to get in, out and on their way with ease.”
Areas USA IT Director Ingo Nehls commented, “We are proud to deliver this cutting-edge technology that is revolutionising the travel retail experience.
“This innovative leap in technology will reshape the way we think about travel retail, providing a seamless, personalised experience that brings us one step closer to the future of retail.”
Areas said the launch of On Your Way reinforces its commitment to transforming travel retail with state-of-the-art technology.
As reported, the company has led with innovative solutions, including SELF, the world’s first AI-powered robotic restaurant, which opened at Barcelona-El Prat Airport earlier this year. ✈
