Xpand Debuts Autonomous Store in Vienna, Pioneering the Future of Retail
Xpand, a leading innovator in autonomous retail technology, has announced the launch of its first European store in Vienna, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of unmanned shopping experiences. Located adjacent to Mariahilferstraße, Vienna’s bustling premier shopping street, the store represents a groundbreaking collaboration with CAMPO Group, a leader in robotics and AI automation platforms. This cutting-edge facility introduces Xpand’s revolutionary “store-in-a-box” concept to European consumers, offering a comprehensive convenience assortment that includes ambient, chilled, and frozen goods—all powered by artificial intelligence, robotics, and real-time inventory management.
The fully autonomous store operates without human intervention, providing shoppers with a seamless, frictionless experience around the clock. By leveraging advanced AI-driven systems, the store ensures zero labor costs while maintaining full loss prevention, setting a new standard for operational efficiency in the retail sector. This innovative approach not only enhances convenience for consumers but also demonstrates how technology can transform traditional retail models.
A Blueprint for Global Expansion
The launch of the Vienna store follows a recent funding round led by Ibex Investors and Emerge, with additional contributions from Xpand’s leadership team, including CEO Joel Bar-El. The funds raised will fuel the company’s global expansion plans, with Vienna serving as a blueprint for a new generation of autonomous retail stores. The success of this location will inform future deployments across Europe and beyond, solidifying Xpand’s position as a pioneer in the autonomous retail space.
“Opening our first international store in Vienna marks a pivotal moment in Xpand’s mission to make autonomous retail accessible worldwide,” said Joel Bar-El, CEO of Xpand. “This store demonstrates how our AI-driven technology transforms the retail experience while maximizing operational efficiency. It’s a testament to our commitment to innovation and our vision of reshaping the future of shopping.”
Revolutionizing the Retail Experience
At the heart of Xpand’s autonomous store is its “store-in-a-box” technology, a modular and scalable solution designed to streamline retail operations. The system integrates AI, robotics, and real-time inventory management to create a fully automated shopping environment. Customers can simply walk in, pick up their desired items, and leave—without the need for checkout lines or cashiers. The store’s advanced sensors and cameras track each item selected, automatically charging customers through a connected app upon exit.
This frictionless shopping experience eliminates common pain points associated with traditional retail, such as long queues and limited operating hours. Moreover, the use of AI and robotics ensures precise inventory tracking, reducing waste and optimizing stock levels. For retailers, this translates into significant cost savings and improved profitability, while consumers benefit from unparalleled convenience and accessibility.
Partnership with CAMPO Group
The collaboration with CAMPO Group underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in driving innovation. As a provider of robotics and AI automation solutions, CAMPO Group brings deep expertise in integrating advanced technologies into real-world applications. Together, Xpand and CAMPO Group have created a state-of-the-art autonomous store that showcases the potential of combining AI, robotics, and retail expertise.
The partnership also highlights the growing demand for smart retail solutions that address the challenges faced by traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Rising labor costs, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer expectations have created an urgent need for more efficient and flexible retail models. Autonomous stores like the one in Vienna offer a compelling solution, blending convenience, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Positioning Vienna as a Hub for Innovation
Vienna’s selection as the site for Xpand’s first European store reflects the city’s reputation as a hub for innovation and technology. Known for its vibrant retail scene and tech-savvy population, Vienna provides an ideal testing ground for autonomous retail concepts. The store’s proximity to Mariahilferstraße ensures high visibility and accessibility, attracting both locals and tourists eager to experience the future of shopping.
By introducing its technology to Vienna, Xpand is not only expanding its footprint but also contributing to the city’s reputation as a leader in smart urban solutions. The store aligns with broader initiatives to integrate technology into everyday life, enhancing convenience and sustainability for residents and visitors alike.
A Vision for the Future
The launch of Xpand’s autonomous store in Vienna represents more than just a technological achievement—it signals a shift in how we think about retail. As consumer preferences evolve and the demand for convenience grows, autonomous stores offer a glimpse into the future of shopping. By eliminating barriers such as operating hours and checkout processes, these stores empower consumers to shop on their own terms while enabling retailers to operate more efficiently.
Looking ahead, Xpand plans to build on the success of its Vienna store by expanding its network of autonomous retail locations across Europe and other regions. Each new deployment will refine and enhance the company’s technology, bringing it closer to its vision of making autonomous retail accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Redefining Retail Through Innovation
In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, Xpand’s autonomous store in Vienna stands out as a bold step forward in redefining the retail landscape. By combining AI, robotics, and real-time data analytics, the store offers a frictionless, 24/7 shopping experience that prioritizes convenience, efficiency, and sustainability. This groundbreaking initiative not only addresses the challenges faced by traditional retailers but also sets a new benchmark for what the future of retail can look like.
As Xpand continues to expand its reach and refine its technology, the company is poised to play a transformative role in shaping the next generation of retail. With Vienna as its European launchpad, Xpand is proving that the future of shopping is here—and it’s autonomous.
About Xpand
Xpand revolutionizes convenience retail through autonomous, AI-powered “store-in-a-box” units. The company enables retailers to scale with 24/7 unmanned stores featuring plug-and-play installation and seamless omnichannel experiences.
Xpand (formerly 1MRobotics) was founded in 2021 by entrepreneurs Eyal Yair and Roee Tuval, and is led by seasoned executives from top technology and retail companies. CEO Joel Bar-El previously co-founded Trax Retail, a unicorn specializing in retail AI and analytics. For more information, visit www.xpand.us.
About CAMPO Group
CAMPO Group is a robotics and AI company delivering automation platforms for unmanned retail and mobility. Their platform technology Typy integrates robotics hardware, AI, and cloud systems to enable next-generation retail experiences. For more information, visit https://www.campo.group/.
About Investors
Ibex Investors and Emerge are leading venture capital firms backing transformative technologies. Their support of Xpand underscores confidence in autonomous retail’s global potential.
