Technology integration in Japanese convenience stores

Japanese convenience store chains are integrating advanced technology to optimize operations and product offerings. FamilyMart and Lawson have begun utilizing generative artificial intelligence for food product development.

FamilyMart is accelerating its confectionery development by using AI to reduce the idea generation phase from approximately two weeks to a single day. The company feeds the system extensive datasets, including two years of customer identification (ID-POS) data, sales figures, demographics, and purchase timing, alongside industry market reports. In one application, the AI generated roughly 1,000 product ideas based on successful past attributes. For the ‘Oimono Canelé ~with Caramel Sauce~’, the AI provided feedback on flavor and pricing; data indicated that a price below 300 yen would improve trial rates, resulting in a retail price of 285 yen.

While AI handles brainstorming and data analysis, human developers remain essential to ensure technical feasibility. For example, staff modified an AI-suggested internal sauce structure to a top-drizzled format to accommodate existing factory equipment. FamilyMart expects to release approximately ten AI-driven products by the end of the fiscal year to reduce research workloads.

Lawson is also employing AI for brainstorming and has expanded its use of automation in food preparation. The company has deployed TechMagic’s ‘I-Robo 2’ stir-fry cooking robots to additional locations in Ebina, Yokohama, and Koto. These robots automate high-heat stir-frying to address labor shortages. Following a pilot phase, Lawson reported a year-on-year sales increase of approximately 20% for in-store cooked items.