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London’s O2 Introduces AI-Powered Self-Serve Bars
The O2 London, and the building’s f&b partner Levy UK & Ireland, announced the introduction of self-serve bars over the course of the year.
The bars, the first of which will open for the summer season, are powered by Amazon’s AI-based self-checkout technology, which the company also utilizes in its “Just Walk Out” stores.
Artificial intelligence like computer vision and deep learning techniques, including generative AI, can determine who took what in any retail environment, which includes The O2’s new bars, a press release from The O2 explains.
Guests tap in with contactless payment, grab their chosen drinks and snacks, and exit without the need for a traditional checkout. The O2 is planning to open additional self-serve bars in the future, with a second location set to open later this year.
The technology “is designed to reduce queues so there will be less time waiting and more time for guests to enjoy the show,” the press release states.
The new bars add to the self-order kiosks and self-pour drink stations already available within the arena.
See: O2 London All Set For Another Record Year
The O2’s commercial director Adam Pearson commented, “Our strategic investments in technology are guided by our commitment to creating seamless experiences that our guests really value. The integration of Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology is a direct result of our ongoing efforts, alongside our partner Levy UK + Ireland, to listen to our guests and implement solutions that meet their expectations for convenience and efficiency at every touchpoint. As the world’s leading venue, we don’t stand still and the fan experience will always be a priority for us.”
Rak Kalidas, chief creative officer, Levy UK + Ireland, added, “Our collaboration with The O2 and Amazon is a powerful example of how we are working together to innovate and enhance the fan experience. This project underscores our dedication to leveraging technology to meet the evolving needs of today’s entertainment venues.”
Jon Jenkins, vice president of Just Walk Out technology, Amazon, said, “Bringing Just Walk Out technology to a world-class venue like The O2 is an exciting next step in our continued growth in the UK. We look forward to growing our footprint in the years to come, bringing our technology to more locations across the country with Levy UK & Ireland.”