Tracking movement inside the store with sensors and 360-degree cameras
AI speakers utilize intelligent video analysis capabilities.

Self-checkout counters at supermarkets and self-ordering at fast food restaurants are on the rise. Now, even convenience stores are adopting unmanned systems. This is because sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to increase store operational efficiency.

Although unmanned stores are still in the pilot operation stage due to security vulnerabilities, SK Telink, an affiliate of SK Group, and its security subsidiary NSOK recently introduced an 'AI unmanned store' implemented with new ICT technology.

At the "AI unmanned store," customers activate their smartphone's Bluetooth and authenticate themselves. Upon entering, the AI speaker "Who" answers simple questions like "Where's the cola?" and "How much is the beer?" Payments can be made using the payment information stored on the smartphone, eliminating the need for a separate barcode scan.

Sensors at each counter monitor how much and what items are coming in and out. Ceiling-mounted "fisheye cameras" allow for individual customer movement patterns to be tracked and analyzed. A 360-degree rotating camera reduces blind spots and transmits changes within the store to the control center in real time.

The Heat Map feature displays the accumulated heat distribution of the store. This allows you to analyze store usage patterns, such as which counters are most frequented and which locations are popular. A single camera can cover an area from 7m x 7m to 10m x 10m.


These features are used not only to monitor customer movements and select items, but also for security purposes. When a situation arises, such as a large movement or a drunk customer lying down, the system can transmit a first warning to the control center via a speaker. If the situation remains unresolved, the control center can then dispatch an emergency response team.

An official explained, "Currently, only three simple questions can be entered, but when you actually enter the store, you can enter up to 30 questions. Each store owner can set frequently asked questions." He added, "Currently, the sensors on the shelves check all items coming in and going out, but in the future, they will check items being taken out separately."

Payment is also simple. Simply add the desired items to your cart, and your order will be automatically calculated upon exiting the store. This is because sensors on the counter and cameras on the ceiling recognize the items and quantities customers are placing in their cart. Payment is made automatically when you use the smartphone you used to authenticate yourself at the time of entry without having to manually scan the barcode one by one.

Kim Jang-ki, CEO of NSOK, said, “You will be able to experience firsthand the future of life security based on cutting-edge ICT technology,” and added, “As a leading player in SK Group’s security business, ‘Deep Change,’ we will go beyond the security of objects to the security of people, and implement customer-centered security services that are responsible for safety and peace of mind.”

SK Telecom is promoting Security 4.0 through its subsidiaries SK Telink and NSOK. Security 4.0 aims to transform its business from human-centric security to AI-driven security by incorporating new ICT technologies like IoT, cloud AI, and physical security into its core.