The new overhead camera technology is being installed to help reduce scanning errors. Here’s everything you need to know.
Woolworths shoppers are divided over the supermarket’s latest security camera trial at self-serve checkouts.
The retail giant is installing overhead cameras at the self-serve cash registers at selected Sydney stores to help reduce scanning errors.
The trial is currently at Woolworths Seven Hills, and will be rolled out to Hornsby, Neutral Bay, Chullora and Carnes Hill in the coming months.
The new security measure works by monitoring customers as they scan their groceries at self-serve checkouts.
The technology uses camera vision and AI to detect when items aren’t scanned correctly.
If an error occurs, footage of the misscan will appear on the cash register screen and customers will be given the chance to re-scan the item.
A light on the camera above the cash register will also change from green to red or orange if there is a scanning issue.
“We’re trialling new camera technology at select NSW stores to see if it can help reduce misscans and improve speed for customers through the checkout,” a Woolworths spokesperson told 7NEWS.com.au.
“If a misscan occurs, a short video highlights the affected product and customers then have the opportunity to re-scan it.
“While most customers do the right thing at our self-serve checkouts, we’re all busy and mistakes can easily happen.
“This technology, which is used internationally, should make the self-serve scanning process more accurate for our customers.”
7NEWS.com.au understands that footage from the camera is not viewed live and any faces detected are blurred so that the customer cannot be identified.
It’s understood that PIN pads are also blacked out in the vision and Woolworths has strict security policies in place to protect customer privacy.
The new technology has sparked debate among shoppers on social media.
Many thought it was a “good idea”.
“My Woolworths has this! It’s awesome,” said one TikTok user.
“Great idea,” added another.
However others were more critical of the idea, with one claiming that the cameras were “kinda creepy”.
“No thank you. More cameras on us, what are we turning into?” asked one shopper.
Added another: “OK, now I think they’re over doing it.”
Said a third: “Big Brother is watching.”
A Woolworths spokesperson has told 7NEWS.com.au that the supermarket will “listen closely to both customer and team feedback on the trial over the coming months”.
Extracted from 7news
