Walmart's innovative use of AI technology in its stores goes beyond mere convenience. The retail giant has revealed to Business Insider that it employs camera-based computer vision to combat theft and minimize losses at checkouts, including self-checkouts, across more than 1,000 locations. The system, known as the Missed Scan Detection program, alerts staff when an item passes by a scanner without being scanned, allowing them to intervene. Most of these missed scans occur unintentionally, often due to forgetful customers or overworked cashiers. However, Walmart aims to deter theft by addressing both accidental and deliberate unscanned items.
The technology, developed with partners like Everseen, has been in operation for the past two years. According to spokeswoman LeMia Jenkins, this approach has proven effective, as shrinkage rates—loss of products due to theft or accidents—have decreased in stores utilizing the system.
Despite its success, the implementation of AI raises privacy concerns. While many retailers use security cameras, few have integrated AI for such detailed activity analysis. Questions about data retention, the type of information captured, and customer awareness remain important. We have reached out to Walmart for clarification, highlighting that many shoppers may not be aware that AI is monitoring their shopping experiences.