A first-of-its-kind experiment in France by Ingenico Labs, Lab by CB, and Newport-IMS
In partnership with the E. Leclerc store in Argentan (61-Orne), this pilot programme will allow 50 customers to test a voice-enabled fuel-purchasing system for three months using the Phebe mobile app.
Because the growth of voice retail will significantly and permanently change consumer habits, any player seeking to establish a foothold in this market must understand its dynamics, customer pathways, and associated payment methods.
Based on this shared vision, Ingenico Labs, Lab by CB, and Newport-IMS have joined forces to launch a secure voice retail experience — the first of its kind in France in a mobile context. Considered intuitive, fast, and secure, voice technology simplifies and streamlines the consumer’s shopping pathway.
The main objectives of this experiment are to demonstrate the effectiveness of voice-initiated and voice-confirmed purchases in a driving environment, while analysing users’ interest in voice retail in specific scenarios.
During the 3-month pilot, the 50 participants will be monitored to gather their feedback on an ongoing basis. All of this feedback will then be analysed using management and monitoring tools to validate — or refute — the defined scenarios, the effectiveness of voice transactions on the go, user interest, and more.
Buying fuel is just one of the first applications of this technology. Other types of in-vehicle purchases may be tested later with partner retailers, such as reserving electric vehicle charging stations, ordering meals at restaurants or fast-food chains, buying groceries on the go, booking hotels, paying tolls, and more.
Voice retail must meet very specific technical and regulatory requirements while using new technology such as artificial intelligence. Its technical and regulatory frameworks differ significantly from those of visual e-commerce. Transactions validated by voice therefore require the development of new methods of speech recognition and authentication that must be tested, experimented with, and put to the test.
To be effective, these methods must take into account all of the project’s constraints:
To launch such a pilot programme, it is necessary to mobilise the expertise, resources, and operational capabilities of the various stakeholders. For example, Ingenico Labs has developed a solution that allows users to create a voice-based payment account using voice recognition. This solution makes it possible to authorise a transaction in a simple and secure way.
In addition to helping create an easy, seamless, and innovative user experience for both retailers and end consumers, the Lab by CB enables the project to leverage technology that operates using secure CB protocols. For its part, Newport-IMS has developed the Phebe chatbot and the associated mobile app. Using artificial intelligence, they will allow users to purchase fuel.
Franck Lefèvre, Chair of Newport-IMS
This project was supported by EIT Digital, a European organisation dedicated to digital innovation.
Ingenico Group (Euronext: FR0000125346 – ING) is building the future of payments to drive sustainable and inclusive growth. As the global leader in integrated payment solutions, the Group supports retailers with its portfolio of secure services across all sales channels and adapts to its customers’ ambitions to help them deliver a unique customer experience. Ingenico Group is the trusted partner of financial institutions and retail businesses, from small retailers to leading retail chains. It draws on a strong global presence, with more than 8,000 employees worldwide, representing 90 nationalities, and a commercial presence in 170 countries. Our international community of payment experts anticipates changes in retail and consumer behaviour to provide our customers with the most comprehensive, cutting-edge technology solutions, wherever they need them.
Newport IMS (In Mobility Services) is an entrepreneurial venture that aims to make mobility services more accessible through artificial intelligence and voice recognition technology. The company has developed Phebe, the first conversational smart companion for drivers, which offers a full ecosystem of mobility services through a simple, seamless, and predictive experience.
EIT Digital is a leading European organisation in the field of digital innovation and entrepreneurial education and a recognised institution in Europe's digital transformation.
EIT Digital brings disruptive digital innovations to market and fosters entrepreneurial talent to support economic growth and improve the quality of life in Europe. To achieve this, EIT Digital mobilises a pan-European ecosystem comprising more than 300 large companies, SMEs, start-ups, universities, and European research institutes.
EIT Digital helps members of its pan-European ecosystem operate effectively within complex open innovation ecosystems in order to address some of their specific needs in the areas of digital innovation and education.
EIT Digital is at the forefront of integrating education, research, and business, bringing together students, researchers, engineers, business developers, and entrepreneurs through a pan-European network of offices located in Berlin, Budapest, Eindhoven, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Paris, Stockholm, and Trento. EIT Digital also has a centre in Silicon Valley
