Obirin University Launches Japan‘s First Campus Unmanned Store with Elm Coin – Powered by Cloudpick

Customer Requirements

On May 28, 2025, Obirin University‘s Shinjuku Campus welcomed a new addition: “Elm Store” – a fully cashier‑less, walk‑through unmanned select shop powered by Cloudpick’s AI technology and operated by LMCU. This marks Japan‘s first university facility to feature a completely register‑free store that accepts house electronic money (Elm Coin).

The challenge: Japan faces a severe labor shortage due to population decline. The retail industry is particularly hard‑hit, with many stores forced to close due to staffing difficulties. Meanwhile, university campuses face peak‑hour congestion during lunch breaks, with long queues at campus shops.

The opportunity: LMCU and Cloudpick had already deployed numerous unmanned stores across hotels and commercial facilities. However, they saw potential in the university market – where students are tech‑savvy, receptive to innovation, and frustrated by wasted time in queues.

A unique requirement: Most students do not own credit cards. A solution was needed that would allow cash‑based students to use the unmanned store seamlessly.

Cloudpick Solution

Cloudpick provided its AI‑powered unmanned store technology – combining ceiling‑mounted AI cameras and shelf‑embedded weight sensors to track exactly which items each customer takes.

LMCU developed and operates the store under the “Elm Store” brand, introducing the prepaid electronic money “Elm Coin” – powered by TOPPAN Digital‘s prepaid system, which allows students to charge with cash at campus terminals.

How it works:

• Registration: Students register via LINE and generate an entry QR code.

• Cash loading: Students charge their Elm Coin prepaid card with cash – no credit card required.

• Entry: Scan the QR code at the gate to enter.

• Shopping: Pick up items freely (even placing them directly into bags).

• Exit: Simply walk out – the system automatically identifies items and completes payment.

Completely cashier‑less: No checkout counters, no barcode scanning, no queues.

Result

The store quickly gained popularity among students. Feedback highlights:

• “No waiting in line – I can shop easily even during short breaks between classes.”

• “It‘s so convenient – I can get what I need in seconds.”

• “Once you try it, you can’t go back.”

• “This is shopping from the future.”

Key outcomes:

• Zero queues during peak hours: Students no longer waste precious break time waiting in line.

• Cash‑compatible: The prepaid Elm Coin system allows students without credit cards to participate.

• Student co‑operation: A team of student volunteers helps select products, create POP displays, stock shelves, and analyze purchasing data – making it a true campus collaboration.

• Curated selection: Products are chosen based on student feedback – Korean cosmetics, regional snacks (like Kansai‑exclusive “Karl” snacks), Korean instant noodles (Buldak), and items that students genuinely want – distinctly different from convenience stores.

• Sustainability: The system can be deployed in any space with power and network – no need to hire staff.

Customer Testimonial

Shota Ishihara, CEO of LMCU, said:

“With Japan‘s labor shortage worsening, our unmanned store system provides a practical solution. We wanted young, tech‑literate students to experience near‑future shopping first, helping expand the unmanned store market. Elm Store is also a joint research project with the university – we’re exploring what features are needed for future expansion, including product selection and data marketing.”