Grabango, a tech company based in Berkeley, Calif., is making waves in the retail industry with its innovative checkout-free technology. With Amazon scaling back its own “Just Walk Out” tech, Grabango has seized the opportunity to partner with major retailers like Aldi.
The partnership between Grabango and Aldi has resulted in the launch of ALDIgo, a checkout-free shopping experience at one of Aldi’s Chicago-area grocery stores. The technology, which utilizes Grabango’s advanced AI-powered system, has been well-received by customers and has led to a decrease in shrinkage since its implementation in November 2023.
Unlike Amazon’s reliance on shelf-sensors, Grabango’s technology primarily uses computer vision, making it more cost-efficient and easier to retrofit to existing stores. Grabango’s CEO, Will Glaser, emphasized the flexibility and adaptability of their system, allowing for a seamless integration without disrupting the shopping experience for customers.
Glaser highlighted the limitations of Amazon’s technology, which restricts grocers from carrying a diverse range of products and implementing promotions or seasonal displays. In contrast, Grabango’s system is designed to enhance the shopping experience by providing a seamless and efficient checkout process.
As Grabango continues to expand its presence in the retail market, the partnership with Aldi marks a significant milestone in the adoption of AI-powered shopping technology. With the rapid evolution of checkout-free systems, Glaser predicts that this innovative approach will soon become the norm, revolutionizing the way consumers shop for groceries.
