Imagine walking into a store, picking up everything you need from the shelves, putting it in your bag, and simply walking out without going through the checkout. The technology that makes this possible was publicly demonstrated for the first time in Bratislava.
At the BIKOSS 2026 business conference, the Slovak technology company DATAPAC presented a prototype of an autonomous store called POSYBE WIWO STORE. Its concept, which is based on artificial intelligence, allows shoppers to make purchases without cashiers or scanning items.
How does a cashierless store work?
The technology operates on the “Walk In, Walk Out” principle. For the shopper, the process looks like this:
- Entry: Before entering the store, you register in a special app to receive a QR code. You must scan this code at the entrance for identification.
- Shopping: Inside, you simply take items from the shelves. If you change your mind, you can put the item back or exchange it for another—the system will record this.
- Exit: Once you’ve picked up everything you want, you simply walk out of the store. There’s no need to scan anything or stand in line.
The process is monitored by a system of cameras, sensors on the shelves, and artificial intelligence. It automatically recognizes which items you’ve taken, creates a virtual shopping cart, and, after you leave, automatically charges the cost of your purchases to your linked bank card.
New Opportunities for Businesses and Customers
According to DATAPAC representatives, this retail format is beneficial for businesses. It allows them to save on staffing costs and open stores in locations where traditional stores would be unprofitable: in office buildings, dormitories, hospitals, or train stations. In addition, these stores can operate 24/7 without additional staff.
For customers, the main advantage is saving time and avoiding lines. The process becomes faster and more convenient.
Although autonomous stores are not a novelty worldwide—similar concepts are being developed by Amazon in the U.S. and the Żabka chain in neighboring Poland—this marks a first for Slovakia. The Slovak company DATAPAC plans to roll out this technology not only in the local market but also in other countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
