TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The unmanned economy is spearheading a retail revolution with cashier-less stores, addressing Taiwan's labor shortages, aging society, and low birthrates. Experts highlight this as a solution to understaffing issues across diverse industries, including manufacturing, retail, and logistics.
In December 2023, Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI, 工研院) reported that the global unmanned convenience store market, valued at US$67.48 million in 2021, is projected to soar to US$1.6403 billion by 2028, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 51.9%.
Ou Su-hua (歐素華), an associate professor at Soochow University's School of Business (東吳大學商學院), observed the rise of cloud kitchens and intelligent vending machines as part of a new blue ocean strategy in the retail sector.
Unmanned operations have become prevalent in Taiwan, notably in claw machine stores, cloud kitchens, and logistics. Shoppers are adapting to grab-and-go stores, where virtual wallets on mobile apps settle bills automatically upon exit. However, Ou cautioned that technological enhancements are crucial for fully realizing unmanned operations, with data protection posing significant challenges.
The unmanned economy, fueled by AI and IoT technologies, offers a glimpse into a future defined by innovation. As this sector expands, businesses and consumers must navigate its challenges while embracing the opportunities it presents.
