Sainsbury’s makes huge change to checkouts to make food shopping quicker

The supermarket is rolling out new Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to 22,500 checkouts and would allow self-checkouts to identify specific items that don’t have a barcode.

This includes items such as loose fruits and vegetables which can otherwise take quite some time to find on the system.

It can also detect an unexpected item in the bagging area which usually requires a worker to approve the transactions.

Supermarket workers will also be able to approve some purchases remotely, including if the checkout needs to confirm the weight of an item, by using tablets.

The AI will also allow Sainsbury’s to collect more accurate sales forecasting through real-time data, and offer more tailored promotions to shoppers.

The supermarket added that this will also be rolled out in its convenience stores and petrol stations.

Clodagh Moriarty, chief retail and technology director, said: “Our commitment to unbeatable quality food and great service, whether in-store or online, is strengthened by NCR Voyix technology. NCR has grown alongside Sainsbury’s for two decades, unlocking new capabilities and optimising product management, sales forecasting and store efficiencies. 

“This is driving us to the Next Level and delivers for customers, colleagues and shareholders.”

Eric Schoch, executive vice president and president of retail at NCR Voyix, added: “We aim to operate at the speed of consumers if not faster, striking to outpace the market and keep our customers ahead of the curve with configurable, scalable and smart technology.

“With our modern software-first approach, Sainsbury’s can implement rapid changes at much lower costs, and run services in the cloud while the store can operate self-checkout at the speed of a digital channel.”

Sainsbury’s isn’t the only supermarket to be using AI, with Morrisons announcing that they would be introducing it earlier this year.

Morrisons is said to be racing to employ thousands of AI-powered cameras across its UK stores by the end of the year.

It comes after trials showed they significantly improved availability and increased the efficiency of staff.

This makes Morrisons the first UK retailer to make use of the technology, in a tie-up with Seattle-based AI company Focal Systems.