#Japan #Osaka #Osaka University #OMU Base #Cloudpick

A New Era for Campus Shopping: The Walk-Through Automated Store

On September 24, Osaka University’s co-operative shop at the Morinomiya campus proudly unveiled Japan's first walk-through automated store designed specifically for university co-ops. This innovative venture, carried out in collaboration with Intersect Communications, Cloudpick Japan, and Hanshow Japan, aims to revolutionize the student shopping experience by integrating cutting-edge technology into daily life. The initiative is aligned with the university's 'smart campus' vision, which seeks to provide students with a modernized and streamlined experience while shopping for their daily necessities.

Background of the Initiative

Osaka University has been actively working towards creating a 'smart campus' that incorporates advancements in digital technologies to enhance student experiences. To achieve this, the university has not only introduced a mobile payment system using co-op electronic money but also decided to implement the walk-through automated store named "OMU Base". This pioneering store format is a response to the challenges faced during peak hours when students flock to the campus co-op for meals. With a population of around 5,000 and over 2,000 students expected to use the shop during lunch hours, the introduction of the automated store aims to alleviate the traffic at traditional dining spots.

Overview of OMU Base

Location:

Located on the first floor of the student lounge at Osaka University Morinomiya Campus.

Operating Hours:

The store follows the student lounge's operational schedule, with potential for 24-hour service.

How to Use:

1. Register for entry via the official LINE account and link a payment method.
2. Scan the QR code at the entry gate to access the store.
3. Pick up desired items and exit; payment is automatically processed upon exit.

Product Offerings:

The store will provide a variety of everyday items such as bread, beverages, ice cream, frozen meals, snacks, and cup soups, all selected for their convenience.


Image showing the entrance to the OMU Base store

Anticipated Benefits

1. Reducing Congestion:
The addition of OMU Base is expected to significantly ease the long queues that typically form in front of the cafeteria during peak lunch hours, projected to accommodate around 200 students during busy times.

2. Enhanced Convenience:
Students can purchase food and drinks even outside regular store hours, supporting their schedules before and after classes or during evening hours. The LINE-based registration and automatic payment system simplify the entire process, making shopping more efficient.

3. Promoting Smart Campus:
By experiencing cashless transactions and digital interactions during their daily routines, students contribute to realizing the university’s smart campus goals.

4. Addressing Labor Shortages:
The automated store model significantly decreases the operational staff required for running the store, boosting the overall efficiency of the co-op’s management.

Statements from Officials

Leaders from the Osaka University Co-op commented on the project, emphasizing that the introduction of this smart shopping solution is a critical step towards a more integrated technological future for students. They expressed enthusiasm about enhancing students' shopping experiences at Morinomiya and are committed to supporting their academic and campus lives.

Osaka University representatives welcomed this new way of shopping as a means to improve student convenience and indicated a willingness to collaborate further with the co-op to advance the smart campus initiative.

Future Developments

Intersect, Cloudpick, and Hanshow are committed to utilizing this initial project as a launchpad to expand walk-through automated stores to university co-ops nationwide. Based on their experiences at Morinomiya, they plan to continuously optimize product offerings and enhance the smart payment experience, aiming to establish a new standard across university co-ops in Japan.

In addition to OMU Base, the Morinomiya campus also features a variety of dining options, including the OMU Dining cafeteria, OMU Cafe, and OMU Shop, creating a vibrant food environment that caters to student needs throughout the day.

This initiative marks a significant step towards blending convenience and innovation in campus life, setting a precedent for future university cooperative operations in Japan.