Vaak AI Spots Shoplifters Before They Steal

Retail stores guard against theft by installing security cameras, training staff to spot a shoplifter, and employing security guards to patrol each store. Japanese startup Vaak believes it can instead predict shoplifting before it happens using artificial intelligence. As Bloomberg reports, Vaak's software works by tapping into the live security camera feeds a retail store has installed. It then monitors customers looking specifically at their body language. If there are signs that someone is overly nervous, looking around a lot, fidgeting, or generally restless, the system contacts staff via a smartphone app.