Snack cravings no more: FIFO’s first autonomous convenience store
Australia’s first autonomous retail store at a mining village is a big step towards greater convenience and amenity for thousands of FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) workers in remote locations across the country.
Owned and operated by Sodexo Australia (Sodexo) and using technology by leading AI provider, AiFi, the pilot store will provide a fast and convenient shopping experience for up to 800 residents and guests at the Rio Tinto Iron Ore Gudai-Darri village.
AiFi’s autonomous retail uses computer vision to track customers at each point in the customer journey, allowing them to complete a purchase without the traditional checkout process.
Sodexo Australia Head of Retail, Daniel Zarew, said:
Autonomous experiences are the next evolution in retailing. Offering 24/7 access with no need to wait in lines, we can now deliver a seamless shopping experience—perfect for the varied shifts of mining residents.
A positive resident experience in mining villages is a priority for Sodexo, and we know that quick and easy access to snacks and drinks at any time is a simple but important amenity, especially during or after a long day out in the field.
Our survey in 2024 of more than 500 FIFO workers showed how important it is to offer a large range of products and keep popular items in stock.
Housed in a portable shipping container solution fitted out with air conditioning and built-for-purpose to offer more than 50 types of cold beverages and another 50 snacks and confectionary, the Sodexo pilot store centres on convenience. Its portable structure will allow it to move to different sites, bringing joy and convenience to new locations.
Keith WestonSodexo Australia Managing Director
Sodexo’s investment into autonomous retailing demonstrates our commitment to delivering the best resident experience for FIFO workers across Australia's Energy and Resources sector.
“We’re proud to lead the way with industry-first initiatives that tap into the latest technology and trends to create vibrant villages and support our clients' operations with happier, more productive workers.
“We’ll take the success and learnings of this first store to explore potential opportunities for broader implementation nationwide in the future.
With roughly one camera per square metre, the autonomous store uses AI-powered technology and sensors to track purchases and calculate payment once residents leave the store.
We’re excited to partner with Sodexo to introduce autonomous retail experiences in the Energy and Resources sector.
“By providing convenience and comfort to a remote site, we believe in Sodexo’s commitment to innovative technologies and solutions that enhance the ‘every person’ day-to-day experience. We believe in our technology and know that it is going to bring a lot of joy to Rio Tinto’s residents.
Officially launched in Gudai-Darri on 29 January, the store is already operating 24/7 to allow village residents to satisfy cravings for popular snacks and drinks at any time of the day or night.
Rio Tinto’s most technically advanced mine, Gudai-Darri, is now also home to the mining industry's first autonomous retail store at its fly-in fly-out village.
“Providing a range of services and offerings to our workforce is important to ensure they continue to have a great experience while they are in our villages. We’re pleased to partner with Sodexo in their industry-first trial of this new retail technology.
Nationally, Sodexo has a workforce of over 5,000 employees across more than 100 sites. Daily, the business provides services to over 20,000 Energy and Resources workers.
This industry-first retail site represents the first step in delivering more choice and convenience for residents in remote communities across Australia.