New "first of its kind" check-out free shop opens in Dublin Airport, powered by AI

A new check-out free shop featuring new innovative AI technology has opened at Dublin Airport in Terminal 1.

'Dublin Town To Go' will see "a frictionless, checkout-free experience" for customers. The new shop is in partnership with SSP and uses AI technology from contactless checkout solutions provider Zippin.

Passengers must scan their debit or credit card as they enter. From there, a combination of camera technology and weight sensor-enabled shelving detects what people are buying. The contactless technology then charges their card once they exit the shop.

There is a wide range of goods to be purchased in 'Dublin Town To Go' including coffee, pastries, sandwiches and salads, sweets and toiletries.

Vincent Harrison, Chief Commercial and Development Officer at Dublin Airport stated: "The opening of a checkout-free store in the airport is something completely new and different for passengers and we think they are going to love it.

"Dublin Airport is excited to be the home of the first concept store of this kind to be opened in Ireland," he continued.

"Whether passengers want to pick up a pre-flight sandwich and coffee, or essentials such as milk and cereal after arriving back into Dublin Airport, the technology deployed in 'Dublin Town To Go' means they can do it quickly and in a hassle-free manner.

"We can't wait for passengers to try out the new store for themselves."

Dublin Airport took to X, formally known as Twitter, to relay the news. However, people had mixed responses.

One user explains that the airport still needs more variety: "Any chance of a book or magazine shop? WHSmiths mostly sells sandwiches & tourist tat these days, very little to read, they offer the same as boots & the other gift shops. The airport needs variety."

Another voiced their opinion on the lack of jobs this shop creates: "Anything to get rid of jobs and cost them less"

Mark Smith, Chief Digital and Technology Officer assures that this new shop is a good thing for customers: “At SSP, we pride ourselves on our ability to use the most sophisticated technology to bring customers the best possible experience. We’re certain that customers will find this new way of shopping makes a real difference to their journey."