Lidl is equipping its fruit and vegetable departments with camera-based, AI-supported scales from Mettler Toledo that automatically recognise loose items. With this step, Schwarz Group’s discount retail division is promoting a seamless self-scanning journey for its customers in the fresh produce department. Lidl has already equipped around 250 stores across Germany with two scales per store in most cases, according to information provided to The Retail Optimiser by project staff at the retail company. These AI-supported scales from Mettler Toledo had previously been tested in Lidl stores in Poland.
Driven by the Europe-wide introduction of Scan&Go self-scanning via the Lidl Plus loyalty app – developed on the basis of GK’s POS software platform – Lidl is integrating Mettler Toledo’s AI-supported scales into a seamless process. The devices from the weighing technology specialist are designed to ensure that shoppers can scan loose fruit and vegetables faster and with fewer errors. Customers simply place the products on the scale. They do not need to scan labels on the shelf or enter product numbers.
The integrated camera in Mettler Toledo’s system uses AI to identify items and displays the correct match or a small selection of possible products on the display – regardless of whether fruit and vegetables are placed on the scale loose, in plastic bags, or in nets. Shoppers then confirm the correct item and receive a barcoded label, which they then scan with their smartphone using the Scan&Go function. This AI-powered scale marks an important milestone in the continuous shopping process, significantly simplifying the handling of fresh produce during the customer’s self-scanning journey.
Lidl speeds up Scan&Go
To use Scan&Go, customers first must check in to a participating store via the discounter’s loyalty app, either by sharing their location or by scanning a QR code at the store entrance. Once they have checked in, the Lidl app synchronises regional price differences. Shoppers can then scan items with their own smartphones, can keep track of their shopping cart in real time, activate coupons and automatically redeem discounts. Finally, they can pay at the self-checkout terminals.
At a store in Frankfurt-Sachsenhausen, the Retail Optimiser team transferred Scan&Go purchases to a staffed checkout for payment via the Lidl Plus app, as the four new self-checkout terminals from the provider 4POS and an exit gate were not yet fully installed. According to Lidl’s website, store employees carry out random checks to help reduce shrinkage in self-scanning areas.
The Retail Optimiser Picture Gallery
All photos: The Retail Optimser
Schwarz Digits develops its own AI recognition system for self-checkouts
Unlike the item recognition system purchased from Mettler Toledo for use on the scales, the IT subsidiary of Lidl’s parent company, Schwarz Digits, has simultaneously developed its own AI-based item recognition system for use in self-checkout terminals. This was first reported by Lebensmittel Zeitung. The system is said to use computer vision to automatically identify both loose goods and products in bags or nets.
Lidl is already testing the technology in stores in the UK and the Netherlands, as well as in Haltern am See and Munich in Germany. Schwarz Digits told Lebensmittel Zeitung that a partial rollout is underway and plans to implement the solution in other European countries.
Self-checkouts as the basis for Scan&Go
With self-checkout terminals, Lidl is laying the foundation for the widespread use of self-scanning. On its website, the discounter currently lists just over 100 locations in its home market as active Scan&Go stores. Lidl is introducing its self-scanning system exclusively in stores that are already equipped with self-checkouts. Together with its technology partners 4POS and Itab, the retail company is currently rolling out the terminals across Europe, as The Retail Optimiser reported.
