NACCU New Member Highlight: AiFi
NACCU New Member Highlight:
AiFi
In this latest installment of our New Member Highlight, we catch up with Natasha Thakkar from new NACCU member AiFi.
Tell us about the history of your company.
Founded in 2016, AiFi quickly emerged in the field of computer vision-powered autonomous retail stores. Since 2016, the company has accomplished significant milestones, including the opening of over 150 autonomous stores across six continents, surpassing other players in the emerging autonomous retail sector, including Amazon. By harnessing computer vision technology, AiFi has revolutionized the shopping experience, eliminating the need for waiting in line or manual scanning and payment processes, and has expanded its presence to venues like convenience stores, stadium concessions, and college campuses.
In 2021, AiFi introduced the first autonomous stores powered by cameras and Verizon 5G, achieving over 90 deployments, and enhancing the shopping experience with personalized, contactless solutions across various venues. The company's innovative journey continued into 2023, extending its footprint into live entertainment markets and educational institutions, including partnerships with the University of San Diego and the University of Denver. These initiatives reflect AiFi's commitment to solving real-world problems and solidify its position as an industry leader. Today, AiFi has over 150 stores around the globe and continues to grow.
What does your company do?
AiFi specializes in using AI and autonomous retail technology to transform the shopping experience. Our technology eliminates the need for traditional checkout lines and manual scanning and payment processes. Customers can enter our autonomous stores, select their desired items, and leave, enhancing the shopping experience and addressing labor shortages in the retail sector. We've also partnered with industry giants like Verizon and Microsoft to accelerate the adoption of autonomous shopping technology and expand our presence in key markets.
What products and services do you provide specifically to campus card operations?
For campuses, we provide:
Camera Vision-Based Technology
- AiFi offers camera vision-based technology that retrofits existing on-campus convenience stores. This technology enables students and staff to shop without the need to wait in line or scan items for payment.
Dedicated Store App
- To access the convenience store, users scan a dedicated store app using their mobile devices. This app serves as the entry point for shopping within the Smart Market.
Product Selection
- AiFi's solution allows students and staff to select from a range of food and drink items within the Smart Market. This includes hot and refrigerated prepared meals, coffee, kombucha on tap, as well as packaged snacks and beverages.
Frictionless Shopping
- With AiFi's technology, customers can simply pick up their desired items and walk out of the store. There's no need to wait in line or interact with cashiers. The technology instantly charges for the items selected and generates a receipt for the purchase.
Enhanced Campus Experience
- AiFi's offerings are designed to enhance the shopping experience for students and staff on campus by providing fast and low-contact checkout options, catering to their busy schedules and the need for convenience.
What are you hoping to gain from your NACCU membership?
AiFi is looking to become a true partner to NACCU members and add value through our autonomous shopping. We want to listen to you, learn from you, understand your pain points, educate, and provide you solutions. We provide a more personal approach to partnership and customer service. AiFi would like to earn the trust of NACCU members through our products and our NACCU dedicated team.
Learn more at www.aifi.com.