Carrefour Opens Third Autonomous Store In Belgium

Using computer vision and weight sensor technology, the 24/7 checkout-free store allows customers to simply walk out with their purchases, which are automatically tracked and charged.

The store offers more than 250 everyday items, including fresh fruit for breakfast, ready meals and personal-care products, supplied by the nearby Carrefour Market, to ensure availability.

This location is the largest of Carrefour Belgium’s three micro-stores, boasting 12 smart entrances.

‘A Significant Step’

Carrefour Belgium, together with technological partner Reckon.ai, has highlighted the project as a significant step for autonomous retail technology, particularly given the high-security environment.

SHAPE is one of Europe’s most important and secure military bases, home to over 16,000 military personnel from across NATO members and partner countries.

Carrefour Belgium opened its first autonomous micro-store in December 2023, at its Zaventem HQ, near Brussels.

Stocked with everyday essentials, this AI-powered store uses cameras and weighing technology to track purchases, offering a seamless checkout experience via a dedicated app.

These turnkey stores offer a range of products, including fresh produce, pre-packaged food items, fresh bakery sandwiches, and refrigerated items, all maintained at temperatures between 0º and 15ºC.

The smart micro-stores offer a scalable and cost-effective way to expand the retail business and increase customer reach, while 24/7 availability and convenient grab-and-go shopping encourage impulse purchases.

Operations are streamlined and costs are reduced through real-time inventory management and minimal maintenance.

This initiative comes as Carrefour navigates a challenging retail environment marked by decreased consumer spending and food price deflation.