Mastercard launches retail technology solutions to enable a touchless economy

According to the press release, the solutions, called Mastercard’s Shop Anywhere and AI Powered Drive Through, are applicable and adaptable to any retail environment – from restaurants to pharmacies – and deliver low touch experiences for retailers and the end consumers. Mastercard is deploying these solutions with retailers and sport, entertainment, and hospitality partners including Circle K, Delaware North, Dunkin’ and White Castle.

The Shop Anywhere platform, supported by AI and computer vision technology partner Accel Robotics, enables retailers to create simple, personalised shopping experiences in stores based on consumers’ needs and without compromising privacy. Besides, the platform facilitates the shopper's journey through robust inventory and participating shopper analytics. Shop Anywhere also gives shoppers access to stores outside of normal opening hours if selected by the retailer, in addition to unique and exclusive merchandise. 

Moreover, Shop Anywhere can be deployed across a range of physical spaces, such as shopping malls, airports, grocery stores, and apparel outlets. Mastercard is rolling out live pilots of the platform with several retail partners, beginning in October 2020.

On the other side, the AI Powered Drive Through platform, provided in partnership with SoundHound and Rekor Systems, can help quick service restaurant brands transform their drive through or drive in interactions through vehicle recognition, voice ordering, and artificial intelligence. 

Therefore, consumers can receive personalised and dynamic menu offers based on historical purchasing trends either based on the store or the individual participating consumer. The solution removes the need to wait for an employee to take an order, enabling staff to focus on order throughput.