Following this win, ShelfX is also announcing the release of a facial recognition add-on that allows its smart shelves to instantly identify buyers’ faces as they approach merchandise. What does this mean to shoppers? The ShelfX Vending Fridge is now even more convenient than before, offering consumers a faster, more intuitive experience in any vending environment.

Pushing retail technology to the next ground-breaking level, the Vending Fridge can be equipped with a small camera and easily integrated with highly-accurate facial recognition software. As like the typical application, the first time a customer approaches the Vending Fridge, they use their NFC Xcard to open the fridge and access products. In doing so, the attached (and soon embedded) camera will snap a picture of their face. The shopper can then proceed to select products as the ShelfX Vending Fridge records what is taken and bills accordingly. The next time the customer comes back, the shopper merely needs to approach the fridge and ShelfX system will automatically identify their account, provide access, track purchases and bill.

No lines, cashiers, product scanning; and now with a first-time-ever facial recognition integration in the retail space, no more NFC cards or phones. It’s just the shopper purchasing fresh meals or merchandise in the easiest, most hassle-free way possible.

“Facial recognition has been used in countless industries like security and transportation for many years now, so why not take it into the retail space and enhance the buying experience by eliminating every possible obstacle in the buying process,” says Ran Margalit, CEO at ShelfX. “It’s a simple, reliable and best-of-all, hassle-free add-on to our at-shelf-buying solutions.”

With a commitment to modernize the shopping experience and offer retailers productivity-boosting solutions, ShelfX is on the verge of releasing an open API which will enable more intelligent software and hardware integrations. With this new API, progressive retailers or third-party solution providers will be able to develop cutting-edge applications such as the facial recognition add-on, customizing any ShelfX solution to meet the needs of their business.

ShelfX will demonstrate its at-shelf buying and inventory management solutions at the NAMA One Show on Booth #1451 in Las Vegas, from April 24-26. ShelfX Vending Fridge and other solutions and the facial recognition add-on are expected to be available beginning of June 2013. For sales or upgrade pricing, contact ShelfX at 1-855-4-SHELFX or info@shelfx.com.

About ShelfX

No lines, no cashiers and no product scanning; ShelfX is pioneering at-shelf buying and inventory management solutions for grocers, sports stadiums, pharmacies, airport kiosks, offices, hospitals, schools and more. With the ShelfX Smart Shelves and NFC-based technology, organizations customize applications such as in-aisle checkout, in-office convenient stores, modern-day vending and stocking management solutions, all powered by ShelfX’s wave-and-go access and payment processing. Forget lines and checkout counters; shopping and stocking with ShelfX is convenient, flexible and easy, helping organizations strengthen customer loyalty, increase shopper conversion rates, and better control inventory. For more information, visit shelfx.com

LINK: http://www.2ue.com.au/blogs/2ue-blog/checkout-free-supermarket-unveiled/20120628-213×0.html

With the Vending Fridge installed, a customer simply uses their mobile phone to scan a QR code on the fridge, prompting the download of the ShelfX app from which accounts are created and payment information is entered. Within seconds, scanning the QR code again will unlock the fridge door and beverages, sandwiches, apples, whatever is offered, will be available for the taking.

For added simplicity, existing customers will also receive an RFID-enabled XCard in the mail, which acts as the same as the app on their mobile phone. New customers are also offered the convenience of creating their accounts online to start shopping without hassle or lines.

And for the owner of the Vending Fridge, the process is just as easy; owners only need to stock the fridge. ShelfX handles account creations, payment processing, and sends owners a payment each month, deducting only a small percentage of sales for services rendered.

Just as with the ShelfX retail system, the Vending Fridge is equipped with the company’s proprietary Smart Shelf that knows the exact quantity and type of products that are stocked on it. The Vending Fridge also knows what the consumer removes from, or returns to its shelves; and through wireless communication, the Vending Fridge updates accounts and instantly automates billing.

This award-winning Vending Fridge is now available for sale at $599 USD. For skilled technicians and do-it-yourself owners, the ShelfX Vending Fridge kit is also available for $299 USD. Start cashing in on this revolutionary new vending technology; reserve your Vending Fridge today at shop.shelfx.com.