A visit to 7-Eleven stores in Japan confirms that the future is already upon us. During the last few years, we have been able to see how payment technology in stores has been improving. We don't just have great examples like Amazon Go; or the most common self-checkout systems that can be found in some supermarkets around the globe. Now, holographic screens have arrived in Japan, and you can pay on them without touching anything.
These holographic displays came to improve Japan's self-checkout system; at least the one at 7-Eleven stores. The previous system, which used touch screens, was quite useful and fast. However, concern began to grow around these devices, as they became sources of bacteria, germs and viruses after being touched by thousands of people every day. In times of pandemic, this solution is no longer ideal.
To fix this, Japan's 7-Eleven has installed holographic displays that you can pay with. Therefore, you don't have to touch anything other than “the air” on which you will see the reflected screen.
Holographic screens that work exactly like a touch screen
Toshiba is the company in charge of developing the holographic technology installed in Japanese 7-Eleven stores. For this reason, a system has been used that the company has called 'Digi POS'; thanks to it, the illusion of a touch screen floating in front of the buyer is created. One of the great benefits is that it offers total privacy, and that is that the people behind the buyer will not be able to see anything at all.
Holographic 'Digi POS' technology, meanwhile, can be used in the same way as a touch screen. At the moment, this payment system only allows the use of virtual methods, such as electronic money, QR codes, credit cards and more. In addition, you will not be able to use them to buy alcohol, tobacco or prepared meals.
There is no doubt that Japan has taken an important step, not only in payment and healthcare technologies, but also in the unexplored world of holography. At the moment, we can only imagine all the ways this technology could be used outside of supermarkets.
