SoftBank Corp, a large Japanese technology company, and its mobile payment company PayPay are in talks to invest several hundred billion yen in Seven & i Holdings, the company that owns 7-Eleven shops around the world. This investment would give Seven & i more money to improve its digital technology in its many stores. The two companies are discussing a partnership to bring new technology to 7-Eleven.

SoftBank wants to use its artificial intelligence, or AI, and robots in 7-Eleven stores. This is because 7-Eleven faces problems like higher labour costs and not enough workers, especially in countries such as Japan and the United States. By using automation, 7-Eleven hopes to make store operations faster and more efficient.

If the deal is agreed, Seven & i could quickly update its technology using SoftBank’s systems. This will help the company keep up with other digital shops and offer better service to customers.