What is the project
This project develops connectivity infrastructure for autonomous retail environments that need a robust, reliable network to support infrastructure virtualisation and real-time operation. It is designed for autonomous retail solutions (including smart cabinets and modular store units) where physical components (sensors, cameras) must communicate seamlessly with backend software. The goal is to demonstrate retail use cases that leverage 5G connectivity to enable automation and improve operational efficiency while meeting low-latency requirements.
Project at a glance
Focus: 5G connectivity infrastructure for autonomous retail and infrastructure virtualisation
Key demonstrators: Smart Cabinet; Store-in-a-Store
Primary pilot locations:
- NOS 5G Hub facilities (Smart Cabinet testing)
- NOS Cinemas at NorteShopping (Store-in-a-Store deployment)
- Loja NOS at Colombo and Fórum Almada (Nova Experiência de Loja – New Customer Experience)
Objectives
- Develop and validate infrastructure that supports connectivity in autonomous retail environments
- Ensure seamless communication between physical components (e.g., smart cabinets, cameras) and backend software
- Guarantee latency levels required for real-time operation of autonomous mechanisms
- Demonstrate autonomous retail solutions that leverage 5G connectivity
- Validate higher-demand autonomous retail configurations supported by 5G regarding reliability and stability
What we delivered
Delivered outputs include the definition of the Smart Cabinet communication architecture to enable reliable component-to-backend communication over a 5G network, laboratory testing to characterise traffic flows and assess connectivity requirements, acquisition of an additional antenna to compare performance against the router’s integrated antennas, and a detailed performance analysis resulting in a comparative antenna report on suitability for autonomous retail connectivity needs.
For the Store-in-a-Store demonstrator at NOS Cinemas (NorteShopping), delivered work includes technical studies to validate 5G feasibility, an initial data collection period to assess network traffic impact, an upgrade to the NR 35 (New Radio) 35 frequency band for greater bandwidth and reliability, configuration of a primary 5G connection with fibre-optic backup for redundancy, and performance validation confirming requirements were consistently met with no issues observed.
Moreover, for the New Customer Experience, a mechanism was developed to synchronize the VAR platform state across stores to manage appointment allocation based on staff availability, a study was conducted with customers to assess satisfaction and receive inputs regarding user interface, and the introduction of new in-store communication elements to help guide customers to the video assistance booths.
Metrics / KPIs
Reduced Latency for real time operation
Value: Yes (qualitative)
Notes: The pilots have been running for a considerable period time with frequent monitoring to guarantee performance requirements are met. No issues were observed.
Traffic flows / usage metrics
Value:
Cabinet:
< 300Mbps (DL);
<50 Mbps (UL).
Store-in-a-store:
<1000Mbps (DL); <100Mbps (UL)
Notes: Data was collected and analysed.
Performance requirements met
Value: Yes (qualitative)
Notes: The pilots have been running for a considerable period time with frequent monitoring to guarantee performance requirements are met. No issues were observed.
Service quality / end-user experience
Value: Yes (qualitative)
Notes: The pilots have been running for a considerable period time with frequent monitoring to guarantee performance requirements are met. No issues were observed.
Summary
A 5G connectivity infrastructure project supporting autonomous retail formats where sensors, cameras, and other physical components must communicate in real time with backend systems. Three demonstrators are included: a Smart Cabinet tested at NOS 5G Hub facilities, a modular Store-in-a-Store deployed at NOS Cinemas in NorteShopping and a New Customer Experience at Loja NOS Colombo and Fórum Almada. Work delivered covers communication architecture, lab testing and antenna comparison, 5G feasibility studies, an upgrade to NR 35 for higher bandwidth, redundant connectivity with fibre backup, performance validation and complete development of a new customer experience based on remote video assistant.
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