SINGAPORE – Inside a bright orange kiosk measuring 3m by 2m, a robotic arm grips and dispenses items on sale with a magnet, performing all the tasks of a typical store clerk.

After the packaged snacks or crochet toys of anime characters are dispensed into the gigantic vending machine’s collection slot, the robotic arm swivels to replenish the respective items from a restocking shelf.

This robotic convenience kiosk is Mr R, an automated retail solution developed by local start-up Unistop.

Unlike ordinary vending machines, Mr R can display up to 300 product types and store over 2,000 individual items.

Separate freezer, chiller and room temperature compartments allow retailers to offer a wide variety of snacks, drinks and daily essentials.

Since winning ,000 in funding in 2023 from tech accelerator programme Stellarate by Stellar Lifestyle, the business arm of public transport operator SMRT, Unistop has expanded its operations and upgraded the system.

From six locations in 2023, Unistop now operates at 10 sites islandwide, including one at Esplanade MRT station and several at Housing Board void decks in Jurong and Choa Chu Kang.

The funding from Stellarate has allowed the company to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) system that can adjust kiosk promotions depending on demographics and patterns of demand.

“Our intelligent AI system dynamically showcases on-screen promotions based on the time of day, day of the week, weather conditions and available inventory, ensuring maximum relevance and engagement,” Unistop chief executive officer Irene Zhu said.

She also revealed plans to upgrade Mr R’s robotic arm with sensor grippers capable of handling soft items such as boiled eggs, tofu and sushi.

Since its launch in 2023, Stellarate has supported 12 local start-ups in developing new innovations in retail and advertising.

The third edition of Stellarate – organised with Japan’s JR East Group and Singapore Management University – opened on May 26.

Local start-ups with solutions in out-of-home advertising and manpower-lite retail are being sought.

To be eligible, companies must have had a minimum gross turnover of ,000 in 2024 and a paid-up capital of ,000.

They must also have a track record in developing or delivering innovation-related projects.

These companies have until June 30 to submit their applications to tap 0,000 in total grant funding, and get the opportunity to network with potential business partners.



The latest model of Mr R is covered with screens that can serve as advertising space or push promotions to get passers-by interested in the kiosk’s offerings.

Furthermore, the kiosk can be integrated with sensors to achieve a higher accuracy rate in picking up items.

By the end of 2025, Unistop plans to open five more locations in Singapore’s rail network, including Woodlands station on the Thomson-East Coast Line, tapping its partnership with SMRT.

By the end of 2027, it plans to have up to 20 kiosks set up at train stations, from its current lone MRT space at Esplanade station.

Going forward, Unistop has set its sights on markets overseas, particularly Dubai and Japan.

Ms Zhu said Unistop’s robotic kiosk solution is well-suited for developed countries facing manpower shortages in the retail industry and those with ageing populations.



In Japan, Unistop is working with Japanese robotics start-up Thinker, which has developed a sensor gripper robotic arm capable of handling soft items.

Beyond improving its technology, Ms Zhu said working with Stellar Lifestyle has familiarised Unistop with the safety regulations that govern retail spaces in MRT stations.

This experience may prove valuable for Unistop’s future expansion in spaces with strict safety requirements, like underground rail stations and airports, she added.