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While self-service technologies in the Australian retail space were initially brought on to create convenience, the self-checkout counters have become the bane of many shoppers' existence.

Researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU) have found that for Australian retailers to create actual convenience for shoppers, corporations would need to make use of smart technologies instead. The research was published in Technovation in September.

"Most of Australia's retail stores are not making use of the very advanced forms of smart technology but are relying on rudimentary self-service technologies like the self-checkout counters. These rudimentary technologies often require human intervention, which inconveniences shoppers and is counter-productive to the aim of a more convenient shopping experience," ECU Professor of Marketing and Service Science, Professor Sanjit Roy said.

Professor Roy's research has found that a number of technologies already exist that can make the shopping experience more enjoyable and convenient, including smart trolleys that potentially allow shoppers to bypass the long checkout lines, and smart mirrors that will allow shoppers to engage with virtual try-ons for clothing and make-up.

Internationally, retailers like 7-Eleven, H&M, Aldi and Amazon are already making use of smart technologies, including offering cashierless stores, app-based retailing, and fully automated shopping baskets and automated self-checkouts.

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