Israel’s Trigo, Google Cloud Partner To Accelerate Autonomous Shopping

Trigo, a Tel Aviv-based startup providing autonomous checkout-free technology for grocery retailers, announced earlier this week it has signed a partnership agreement to join Google Cloud’s partner ecosystem.

The company’s decision to work with Google Cloud was based on its consideration of Google Cloud’s strong relationships with leading retailers and sensitivities by European retailers to use Amazon Web Services, the Tel Aviv-based company said.

The agreement enables Trigo’s AI-powered solutions to be available on Google Cloud, and workforces from both companies will collaborate to help retail businesses accelerate their digital transformations into tech-powered autonomous stores, allowing “the world’s top grocery retailers digitize, innovate, deliver exceptional experiences for their customers, and compete in an increasingly crowded and growing marketplace,” said Michael Gabay, Trigo’s co-founder and CEO.

Founded in 2018 by brothers Michael and Daniel Gabay, Trigo developed a privacy-by-design solution using AI-powered computer vision technologies to equip existing grocery stores with autonomous capabilities. Trigo applies proprietary algorithms to ceiling-mounted cameras that automatically upload data on shoppers’ movements. Customers shopping in stores powered by Trigo’s technology could thereby simply have a grab-and-go experience: walk into the store, pick up desired items, walk out without having to stop at checkout, and receive receipts digitally.

In the past year, Trigo has experienced rapid growth and increasing demand for its technology. Trigo has been collaborating with Tesco PLC, one of the world’s largest grocers with stores located in the UK, Ireland and Central Europe, to extend its operations; and REWE, Germany’s second-largest grocery chain, on its cashierless checkout store in downtown Cologne. 

Trigo estimates there to be around 500,000 convenience and small grocery stores (up to 1,000 square meters) globally with the potential to be transformed with its technology, according to its analysis of Kantar supermarket data Around 120,000 of them are located in the EU alone and Trigo said they aim to continue working with retailers on the European mainland to open more stores during 2021.

“Technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IoT are helping retailers deliver exciting, new experiences for consumers,” said Paul Tepfenhart, Director of Global Retail Solutions at Google Cloud. “We’re delighted that Trigo is bringing its retail solutions to Google Cloud, and we look forward to partnering with Trigo to help retailers accelerate their adoption of these capabilities.”