Hospital launches nation’s 1st barista-staffed Amazon AI cafe

Charleston, S.C.-based Roper St. Francis Healthcare has launched a cafe and gift store powered by Amazon AI that allows customers to “just walk out” with their food.

Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital in Charleston had a grand opening for the market with Amazon’s Just Walk Out platform Aug. 25, enabling employees and visitors to pay for items by scanning a debit or credit card (or their badges) when they enter instead of visiting a cash register on the way out. While other health systems are using the tech, Roper St. Francis said it’s the first to deploy it at a coffee shop staffed by baristas.

“We’re proud to lead the way as the first in the country to introduce this technology for a full-service coffee shop and gift store experience,” said Charles Fletcher, vice president of construction, real estate and support services, in an Aug. 25 news release. “We’re investing in modern technology that enhances the teammate and patient experience, especially for those working night shifts or visiting outside traditional hours.”

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