South Korea: 7-Eleven deploys AI-Clerk for first unmanned store

Customers can interact in live conversations with an artificial intelligence powered clerk that can inform about special promotions or discounts.

7-Eleven has opened its first unmanned store in Seoul, South Korea, with a special customer engagement system integrated. An AI-Clerk can greet customers at the location and interact with them to inform them about special promotions or offers.

Clients that go to the store, located in the Lotte Information and Communication building in the capital, can engage in conversations with the artificial intelligence. DeepBrain AI is the provider of the service, a company that specializes in developing AI systems that can engage in real-time conversations.

"We believe AI humans embedded with video and speech synthesis technology will disrupt many industries, including convenience stores. We're excited to demonstrate this 7-Eleven commercial solution, which is currently in use, to highlight AI's ability to humanize digital customer service and enhance customer experiences," said Eric Jang, Founder and CEO of DeepBrain AI.

The system was installed last August as a 7-Eleven’s AI Kiosk, a subsidiary of Lotte Group. The store not only includes DeepBrain AI’s technology as it is also integrated with technologies for unmanned convenience stores.

In addition, apart from answering questions, the AI Clerk provides promotional information to customers. This includes general inquiries, discounts, newly stocked items as well as data on the company and its technology.