Unmanned convenience store “Robot Mart” that does not use cash
Robot Security Police Co., Ltd. pre-opened a cash-free unmanned convenience store “Robot Mart” http://robotmart.jp/ in Nihonbashi Kabutocho on Thursday, September 27, 2018 .
Robot Mart is conducting a demonstration experiment for this opening with the keywords “customer service by robot”, “remote monitoring”, and “QR code payment”.
Interview with Robot Mart
Mr. Mitsuka of Robot Security Police Co., Ltd. responded to an interview with Future Media.
Q1. Why did you decide to open Robot Mart?
When I went on a business trip to Shenzhen, China for a business that had nothing to do with Robot Mart, unmanned convenience stores were evolving and increasing in number. Even in China, we are still doing a lot of trial and error, but if there is no demand, we will not be able to go this far. However, in Japan, only a small number of companies are still opening stores as demonstration experiments. Originally, we are a company that develops robots specializing in marketing. If so, let us take the initiative! It was a kick.
Q2. You said that it was very early from consulting to opening, but what was the specific period and why you were able to open the store early?
Yes, that’s right. I actually saw an unmanned convenience store on a business trip in Shenzhen, China on July 27th. It’s only two months since the pre-opening was 9/27 since I tried to do it on that day (laughs) The payment system is still in the stage of trial and error, but first the store is pre-opened and a demonstration experiment It is a situation where it is operated while being medium, and various operations and systems are being tested. The reason why we were able to pre-open from this concept in two months is the speed of approval, which is difficult for large companies. I think that the attitude of having the shortest approval flow and trying first without fear of failure was feasible because it was a venture company.
Q3. Please tell us about the future outlook for Robot Mart.
I want to do what we can do because we are an IT company. There are three concepts of Robot Mart. It will be “customer service by robot”, “remote monitoring”, and “QR code payment”. For remote monitoring, we carry out 24-hour monitoring independently, and the call center is also available 24 hours a day. An unmanned convenience store itself would not be possible without remote monitoring and a call center.
Also, as for the payment system, we would like to spread the payment using QR code to the world instead of the general electronic payment such as credit card and FeliCa method. One of the reasons why WeChat QR code payment has become widespread in China is that unlike Japan, it does not require a payment terminal used for credit cards or FeliCa. If QR payment can be spread in Japan, it will be easier to incorporate not only major stores but also small stores and individual stores. Of course, Japan has a fairly well-developed cash settlement infrastructure, so it is an issue, but we aim to be a leader in overcoming it.
* FeliCa: A technology method for contactless IC cards such as Suica and PASMO developed by SONY, and a registered trademark of the company.
* WeChat: An instant messenger app developed by Tencent.
Future convenience store
In China, the movement to utilize digital technology is rapidly progressing in the retail market, and there are multiple physical stores incorporating advanced technology. On the other hand, in Japan, there are very few companies that operate unmanned convenience stores in earnest. I am very worried about what kind of development Robot Mart will develop in the future, so I would like to look forward to this opening.
In addition, Robot Mart is currently looking for supporting companies to popularize unmanned convenience stores.
■ Store information
Store name: Robot Mart 1st store
Address: 1F Kabutochou First Building, 20-6 Nihonbashi Kabutocho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0026
Business hours: Demonstration experiment period Weekdays 10: 00-19: 00 (planned)
Open 24H business (scheduled for November)
Subject to change without notice
Official homepage: http://robotmart.jp
■ Contact
name: Robot Security Police Co., Ltd.
Address: Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 3-13-3 Akasaka Central Building 3F
Person in charge: Takanari Homma
TEL: 0800-1236110