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The Future of Retail Transformed by AI Technology: FamilyMart’s Humanoid AI Assistants
Introduction
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) technology has rapidly evolved, expanding its influence across various industries. Particularly in the retail sector, many companies are adopting AI to enhance customer experience and improve operational efficiency. Among them, FamilyMart, which is gaining attention both domestically and internationally, has introduced humanoid AI assistants “Rachel” and “Akira” in approximately 7,000 stores, aiming to transform its business model. This article analyzes how this initiative will impact the entire retail industry, and discusses future prospects and challenges.
1. What Are Humanoid AI Assistants?
The humanoid AI assistants “Rachel” and “Akira” introduced by FamilyMart are digital characters equipped with generative AI functions. These are not just information provision tools; they possess advanced communication and learning capabilities, enabling interaction with store operators and staff. Given this technological background, humanoid AI assistants are expected to function not just as robots but as “partners.”
