A model poses for a photo to show the function of Veny, a robot that allows customers to pay without cash or credit cards based on vein recognition technology, at a 7-Eleven store in Seoul on Aug. 28, 2018. (image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Aug. 28 (Korea Bizwire) — Korea Seven Co., the operator of convenience store chain 7-Eleven in South Korea, on Tuesday unveiled a robot that allows customers to pay with their hands as local retailers accelerate their move to take the lead in next-generation retail models using the latest technologies.
The robot, dubbed Veny, was introduced at the store at South Korean retail giant Lotte’s 123-story skyscraper in eastern Seoul. It is where the company, an affiliate of Lotte, first launched a system that uses veins to verify the identity of visitors and let them pay without cash or credit cards — called “hand-pay” by Lotte — in May.
“Veny will become the symbol of 7-Eleven’s digital revolution,” Korea Seven CEO Jung Seung-in said during a press conference in Seoul. “We will continue our efforts to boost the competitiveness of our franchisees and give a new shopping experience to our customers.”
The robots will also be placed at another signature outlet in central Seoul, according the company.
The introduction of Veny is part of a broader move by South Korean retailers to adopt technologies for their online and offline platforms.
Earlier this month, E-Mart Everyday Inc., a major supermarket chain operator of Shinsegae Group, opened a cashier-less store in the capital where customers can pay through it mobile payment service SSG Pay without going through a checkout counter.
E-Mart Inc., Shinsegae’s discount store chain operator, has also showcased a robot that provides automated concierge service to shoppers.
Last week, Hyundai Department Store Group signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Amazon Web Service Korea to analyze customer activity and expand the partnership between its information technology arm and the local subsidiary of the U.S. retail giant.
(Yonhap)
