Italian supermarket chain Esselunga has opened EsselungaLab, a shop that will function as a testing ground for new retail technologies and concepts. Announcing the new facility via a LinkedIn post, Esselunga revealed several exciting details about what its customers can look forward to. Here is what we know.
EsselungaLab is located in the heart of MIND Milano Innovation District, the innovative neighbourhood of Milan, dedicated to biomedical research and biotech startups. Specifically, it can be found in Viale Decumano 39, where Expo 2015 once stood. EsselungaLab is spread over two floors covering an area of approximately 600 square metres. The laboratory combines services, advanced technologies, new communication methods, sustainable materials and furnishing solutions.
Self-Service market
On the ground floor, there is a cafeteria and a “grab-and-go” market which offers selection of essential products in self-service mode. The shopping experience in the market area is based on a purchasing technology system that integrates computer vision and intelligent sensors. This means that customers can pick up their chosen items before a list of these items is automatically generated and presented to them at self-checkout.
Robotic technology
On the first floor, there is a holiday retreat complete with a lounge terrace, open kitchen and fresh salads prepared with the help of robotic technology. Here innovation is served at the table, with a variety of dishes ranging from healthy to gourmet. Sustainability is also a key focus, from a menu with plant-based options to recycled materials of the furnishings, and even solar panels on the roof.
The project has been developed in collaboration with the “Design for All” association. It is aiming to cater to customers from a variety of age groups and create an environment with furnishings, spaces and signs that can be used by everyone.
