This feature made its debut at Pingo Doce’s Comida Fresca in the Alegro Sintra shopping centre, which has been completely renovated and now has a seating capacity of 342.

Developed by start-up Retail Robotics Solution, this technology identifies dishes based on shape, colour, and texture, replicating the way humans recognise objects and replacing having to register the food placed on the tray manually.

“The use of Artificial Intelligence allows for the implementation of innovative solutions that improve our customers’ in-store experience, which in this case translates into a reduction in the time spent registering and paying, as a result, reducing waiting times”, José Esteves, the group’s IT director, stated.

However, he also added that personalised services remain “essential and differentiating” but that the introduction of technology is aimed at optimising the payment process above all. The project, which began about a year ago, is part of a strategy by the group to modernise its restaurant spaces and improve its consumer experience.