Norwegian food discounter Rema 1000 enables automated recognition of fruit and vegetables in its stores. The scales identify produce that is sold loose using AI-supported image recognition. According to Edgify, the solution will soon be extended to self-checkouts.
A camera under the touchscreen uses computer vision and artificial intelligence to recognise which fruit and vegetables have been placed on the scales. The customer can confirm the item on the touchscreen and then print out a barcode, which is then attached to the goods. Scanning is even possible through transparent plastic bags. The technology is primarily intended for self-scanning customers. However, shoppers who use the manned checkout or the regular self-checkout can also scan their goods in advance at the new scales.
The solution is based on Edgify’s AI platform, which has been integrated into Digi’s hardware. Strongpoint provided implementation support for the project as Rema 1000’s technology partner. The automated scales can be found in eight Rema 1000 stores in Norway so far, but the rollout is to be expanded further.
Fresh produce recognition now future-proof
Scales that automatically recognise fruit and vegetables with the help of artificial intelligence have been around for quite some time. Back in 2020, The Retail Optimiser reported on Tiliter’s self-scanning scales at Australian retailer Woolworths. The Australian start-up had already developed AI-based image recognition to such an extent that it could even accurately and automatically differentiate between different types of tomatoes.
Discount giant Aldi Süd has also introduced the automatic recognition of fruit and vegetables at its self-checkouts, as reported by The Retail Optimiser. The solution from Diebold Nixdorf is based on SeeChange’s AI and machine learning cloud platform and is initially designed for the checkout area and explicitly for the self-service environment.
