Walmart uses AI cameras to spot thieves Published duration 21 June 2019

image copyright Reuters

US supermarket giant Walmart has confirmed it uses image recognition cameras at checkouts to detect theft.

The cameras identify when items are put in a shopping bag without first being scanned by a cashier, or at the self-service checkout.

Walmart told the news site Business Insider than it used the technology in more than 1,000 stores.

The company said that it had made an "investment to ensure the safety of our customers and associates".

The scheme, called Missed Scan Detection by Walmart, uses technology supplied by Irish company Everseen.

The cameras track items rather than people. If an item is spotted being put in a shopping bag before it has been scanned at the checkout, the system can call an employee to "help".

The retailer said shrinkage - the loss of products due to theft or error - had decreased since the technology had been deployed.

Asda, which is owned by Walmart, and UK supermarket Sainsbury's both told the BBC they did not use image recognition cameras in their stores.

Tesco has not yet replied to a BBC request for comment.