By Riad Beladi
Retail is undergoing a profound transformation powered by advances in artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision, and automation. Traditional supermarkets and grocery stores are evolving into “smart stores” where customers enjoy seamless, frictionless shopping experiences, and retailers benefit from operational efficiency and deeper consumer insights. One of the frontrunners in this retail revolution is Trigo, an Israeli technology company pioneering AI-driven frictionless checkout systems that allow shoppers to grab items and walk out without manual checkout. This report explores Trigo’s technology, its flagship Grab & Walk solution, and the wider context of AI innovations redefining retail worldwide.
Trigo Retail AI-Powered Systems: Overview
Founded with the mission to revolutionise physical retail, Trigo leverages a combination of computer vision, AI, sensor fusion, and machine learning to automate the in-store shopping journey. Its solutions remove the traditional bottleneck of checkout queues, creating a smoother, faster, and more convenient customer experience.
Core Components of Trigo’s Technology
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Computer Vision Cameras and Sensors: Installed throughout the store and shelves, these cameras continuously monitor shoppers’ interactions with products in real time.
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Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: Sophisticated AI algorithms identify customers, track product picks and replacements, and update a virtual shopping cart in real time.
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Seamless Checkout & Payment Integration: Linked with customers’ payment methods, the system automatically charges them once they exit the store, eliminating the need for any scanning or cashier interaction.
Grab & Walk: The Frictionless Shopping Experience
The flagship innovation from Trigo is the Grab & Walk system: Customers enter the store using an app or by registering payment methods. They shop as usual, picking products from shelves. The AI system tracks every item taken or put back. Upon leaving, the customer simply walks out — no scanning or checkout required. Payment is automatically processed, and an electronic receipt is sent. This technology mirrors the convenience popularised by Amazon Go stores but is designed to be flexible and adaptable to existing supermarkets without requiring a full rebuild.
Beyond Grab & Walk: Trigo’s Extended Solutions
While Grab & Walk is the headline product, Trigo’s platform extends to:
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Self-Checkout Enhancement: Augmenting traditional self-checkout stations with AI that automatically recognises products in baskets, reducing errors and speeding up the process.
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Real-Time Store Analytics: Trigo provides retailers with invaluable data on customer behaviour—such as dwell times, product engagement, and traffic patterns—allowing for smarter merchandising and store layout decisions.
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Inventory Management: Continuous monitoring of stock levels helps retailers optimise replenishment and reduce out-of-stock scenarios, improving sales and customer satisfaction.
Why Trigo Represents the Future of Retail
Meeting Changing Consumer Expectations
Modern shoppers demand speed, convenience, and safety. The pandemic accelerated interest in contactless and low-touch shopping options. Trigo’s AI systems enable:
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Contactless checkout, reducing physical interaction and queues.
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Faster store visits, catering to busy lifestyles.
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A smooth blend of online and offline shopping with data integration.
Operational and Economic Benefits
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Reduced Staffing Costs: Automated checkout reduces reliance on cashiers.
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Shrinkage Reduction: AI tracking lowers theft and errors.
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Optimised Store Layouts: Data-driven insights help maximise sales per square foot.
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Scalability: Trigo’s tech can be retrofitted into existing stores with minimal disruption.
Broader AI Innovations Shaping the Retail Sector
Trigo’s system is part of a larger ecosystem of AI-powered technologies rapidly transforming retail:
1. Computer Vision & Video Analytics
Retailers use cameras to monitor shelf stock, detect suspicious activity, and analyse foot traffic, enabling proactive management and security.
2. Smart Shelves and RFID
Weight sensors and RFID tags provide instant updates on product availability, automating stock monitoring.
3. AI-Powered Personalised Marketing
Advanced AI algorithms track purchasing habits to deliver personalised promotions via mobile apps or digital signage, increasing conversion rates.
4. Robotics and Automation
Robots perform routine tasks like shelf scanning, restocking, and customer assistance, freeing staff for higher-value activities.
5. Voice Commerce and Smart Assistants
Voice-enabled shopping assistants help customers find products or order online hands-free, improving accessibility and convenience.
6. Augmented Reality (AR)
AR apps allow shoppers to visualise product uses, compare items, or get nutritional information in real time.
7. Fully Cashierless Stores
Beyond Trigo, companies like Amazon with their Go stores have demonstrated that fully cashierless shopping powered by AI and sensor fusion is viable and scalable.
Challenges and Considerations
While AI-driven retail tech holds enormous promise, several challenges remain:
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Privacy and Data Security: Retailers must ensure consumer data is protected and comply with regulations like GDPR.
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High Initial Investment: Integrating AI infrastructure requires upfront costs and store modifications.
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Customer Adaptation: Some shoppers may be wary of new technology or prefer traditional checkout methods.
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Technical Accuracy: Systems must ensure near-perfect product detection to avoid customer dissatisfaction or revenue loss.
The AI-Powered Retail Revolution is Here
Trigo’s AI-powered Grab & Walk system exemplifies the future of brick-and-mortar retail — one where artificial intelligence and computer vision create smooth, efficient, and personalised shopping experiences. By eliminating checkout lines and automating store operations, Trigo and similar companies are redefining what it means to shop in the physical world. As technology advances and consumer expectations evolve, AI-driven retail innovations will become standard, making stores smarter, more responsive, and more customer-friendly. Retailers investing in these technologies today are positioning themselves at the forefront of this exciting new era.