[Courtesy of Hanwha Techwin]
SEOUL -- Hanwha Techwin, a surveillance and optoelectronics company in South Korea, partnered with Cognex, an American manufacturer of machine vision systems, software and sensors, to develop an automatic check-out system that improves the inconvenience of self-checkout counters which are gaining ground in retail businesses.
Self-checkout machines allow customers to process their own purchases by scanning barcodes and paying. Self-checkout machines reduce labor costs and can be faster and more efficient than using a cashier lane. However, it is vulnerable to theft and fraud. Advanced checkout systems use artificial intelligence and image recognition to increase security and improve customer experience.
Hanwha Techwin signed a memorandum of understanding with Cognex to promote an unmanned store solution. They would develop unmanned systems using video-based barcode recognition and deep learning image recognition. They agreed to establish global sales networks and cooperate in machine vision camera businesses.
Hanwha Techwin will develop a variety of unmanned store solutions such as the prevention of theft with video security and provide various information that can efficiently operate stores through intelligent video analysis. Cognex systems are used in automated manufacturing to inspect and identify parts, detect defects, verify product assembly, and guide assembly robots.
Hanwha Techwin said an automatic checkout counter can automatically recognize barcodes of the product when it is placed on the conveyor belt. Because sensors and cameras automatically recognize barcodes regardless of location or direction, it is easier to use and will allow a large number of customers to efficiently manage queues during crowded weekends and evenings.
Various unmanned check-out systems are gaining popularity among retailers. Young consumers feel comfortable with a self-checkout system because of time-saving, while it is not appealing to old generations. With no direct workforce or staff involvement, a lack of human interaction can become a problem when customers encounter a particular issue that needs staff intervention.
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