Sensei

Sensei is a provider of autonomous stores powered by grab-and-go technology, a modular fully automated store format, named “autonomous pods,” and autonomous store cabinets. All Sensei’s store formats utilize cameras and computer vision technology to identify items picked up by a customer.  

Sensei’s autonomous stores allow customers to scan their mobile app or their credit/debit card after entering a store. It uses cameras and computer vision technology to create a digital cart of items picked by a customer and enables them to complete the transaction by exiting the store. The autonomous pods are unmanned, modular plug-and-play store units that can operate 24/7. The customers can unlock the pods by scanning their mobile app or credit/debit cards, pick up their purchases, and exit the store to complete the transaction. Similarly, the autonomous cabinets can be unlocked using a mobile app or a credit/debit card. Customers can pick up their purchases and close the cabinet to complete the purchase. 

Key customers and partnerships

Sensei opened its first European automated store in partnership with Sonae (a Portuguese retailer) in May 2021. Powered by Sensei, the company’s first automated store, “Continente Labs”, has been launched by Continente (the largest food retailer in Portugal, part of Sonae group). 

Funding and financials

The company raised EUR 5.4 million (USD 6.5 million) in a seed round in April 2021, led by Seaya Ventures and Iberis Capital, to invest in R&D and launching new automated stores in various formats.