Exploring the Future: A Review of the Thriving AI Unmanned Store at ResorTech EXPO Okinawa 2025

The recent ResorTech EXPO in Okinawa, held on November 13-14, 2025, showcased a groundbreaking AI unmanned store solution that has sparked considerable excitement among attendees. Organized by Intersect Communications and its Okinawa subsidiary, New Quest, the event overcame severe weather challenges, with a typhoon looming prior to the expo. Fortunately, the exhibition days were met with favorable weather, attracting a large audience from various sectors including local government, education, retail, tourism, and finance.

Expo Highlights

The AI unmanned store featured a walkthrough model where customers could enter by simply scanning a QR code. The store uses advanced AI cameras and weight sensors to automatically recognize items that customers take or return, streamlining the shopping experience by allowing payments without traditional checkout lines. Attendees were particularly impressed by the convenience and efficiency of the setup, which supports not only room temperature items but also refrigerated and frozen goods. This technology aims to reduce labor costs and alleviate congestion in stores, marking a significant step forward in retail evolution.

During the two-day event, the unmanned store saw 299 participants trying out the payment system, with notable interest expressed in utilizing this innovative solution across various islands and sectors in Okinawa. While there were some delays due to the small staff, the lively atmosphere at the booth underscored the growing enthusiasm toward AI-driven retail solutions.

Discussion and Insights

Throughout the expo, diverse visitors engaged in meaningful conversations about the potential implementation of AI unmanned stores in Okinawa. Key topics included:

- How AI unmanned stores could be beneficial on islands within the prefecture.
- Addressing workforce shortages and boosting service quality through extended operational hours and market area expansion.
- Exploring synergies with existing systems in logistics and store maintenance.

Many local students also attended the event, showing keen interest in the technology and engaging with the experiences offered. The genuine reactions from the younger generation indicated a bright future for such innovations.

A Focus on Implementation

The most discussed topic during the exhibition was the feasibility of introducing AI unmanned stores in Okinawa. Various stakeholders from multiple sectors, including universities, tourism boards, and industry promotion bodies, expressed strong interest in real-world use cases. This collective enthusiasm reflects a shared vision of enhancing local economic structures through technology.

Media coverage further amplified the event's significance, with three local TV stations broadcasting segments about the AI unmanned store and highlighting interviews with our team, confirming the community's keen interest.

Looking Ahead

In light of the valuable feedback and insights gathered during the expo, Intersect Communications plans to:

- Pursue the social implementation of AI unmanned stores in Okinawa.
- Foster collaboration with educational institutions, tourism entities, and retailers to create viable use cases.
- Develop new service models that specifically address the unique challenges faced in Okinawa and its islands.

The event’s success lies not only in showcasing innovative technology but also in sparking constructive dialogues and networking among various sectors. The enthusiasm from attendees illuminated the importance of integrating AI technology into local business practices to address regional challenges and drive economic growth.

As we move forward, we aim to continue nurturing these conversations and enhancing the community through technology. We appreciate the vibrant participation and support from all attendees, and we look forward to collaborating on future initiatives.

For anyone interested in experiencing the AI unmanned store solution firsthand, we welcome you to visit our Tokyo office for a demonstration or to discuss solutions related to inbound logistics and retail challenges.