Aldi and Grabango Introduce Checkout-Free Technology Powered by AI

German discount grocer Aldi has teamed up with Grabango to introduce Aldigo, a checkout-free technology pilot program at one of their Chicago-area stores. This innovative move comes shortly after Amazon announced the removal of its own cashierless “Just Walk Out” technology in favor of AI-powered shopping carts.

The partnership between Aldi and Grabango has been in the works since late 2023, with the technology allowing shoppers to download the Grabango app, shop for items, and simply scan a QR code at the end of their trip to have the bill charged to their online account. Cameras placed throughout the store use computer vision and artificial intelligence to track which items are taken by the shopper, creating a seamless checkout experience.

Grabango CEO Will Glaser described the launch of the Aldigo program as a “pivotal moment for the grocery industry,” highlighting the significance of implementing this technology in a full-sized grocer like Aldi rather than a small-format store. Aldi’s Vice President of IT, Eric Traxler, expressed excitement about the checkout-free capability, emphasizing Aldi’s commitment to innovation and providing a top-notch shopping experience for customers.

The test store, located at 2275 West Galena Blvd. in Aurora, Ill., has not made any changes to its layout or product displays to accommodate the new technology. A visit to the store in February revealed that the checkout-free system is seamlessly integrated, offering a glimpse into the future of grocery shopping.