Artificial Intelligence and the Retail Revolution

The online uses and benefits of AI have been well documented and utilised, but now in-store retail is starting to unlock the possibilities of AI. The maturity of smartphone technology is helping to drive this, with real time data being harnessed to make targeted suggestions based on an individual's location, personal preferences, and past behaviour. However, the use of AI enabled self-service checkouts is one area where AI is really starting to impact a consumer's daily life. Self-checkouts have been transforming the shopping experience for over two decades, reducing queue times, and helping retailers use floor space more effectively due to the smaller space required for their operation. However, self-checkout manufacturers are now working to take advantage of the latest technology innovations to improve the experience for all customers and retailers. Using AI enabled visual recognition technology, self-checkouts can now be equipped with smart recognition technology that enables the checkout to "see" the item, recognise it, and promptly provide the customer with the item for selection on the screen.