Technology

Mastercard launches touchless, frictionless retail solutions

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September 8, 2020

Mastercard is debuting a suite of frictionless solutions, Shop Anywhere and AI Powered Drive Through, that are applicable and adaptable to any retail environment from restaurants to pharmacies. The solutions deliver low-touch, high-engagement experiences for retailers and consumers

Mastercard is deploying thesee solutions by partnering with retailers, sport, entertainment and hospitality partners including Circle K, Delaware North, Dunkin' and White Castle, according to a press release.

"As retailers and consumers navigate through one of the most disruptive periods in modern history, it's clear that traditional business operations will need to evolve quickly," Stephane Wyper, senior vice president, retail innovation, Mastercard, said in the release. "We're committed to supporting our retail partners as they look to meet the unforeseen challenges posed by this new normal and provide their customers with a more digitally enabled, touchless, and secure retail experience."

The Shop Anywhere platform, supported by AI and computer vision technology partner Accel Robotics, enables retailers to create simple, personalized shopping experiences in stores based on consumers' needs but without compromising privacy.

Shop Anywhere can be deployed across a range of physical spaces, such as shopping malls, airports, grocery stores and apparel outlets. Mastercard is facilitating live pilots of the platform with several retail partners beginning in October 2020. The pilots include:

• Circle Kat-the-pump and in-store frictionless launch, enabling customers to efficiently grab-and-go snacks and drinks at select U.S. and Canadian locations.
• Delaware North, a global hospitality company, will deploy standalone, frictionless food and drink stores at sports and entertainment venues, national parks, destinations restaurants and resorts, airports and regional casinos.