Shopping using state-of-the-art camera and sensor technology
The Rewe The REWE Group has successfully completed the test phase of the „REWE Pick&Go“ concept in a store in Hamburg. The store is located in the Hoheluft West district, within the Eimsbüttel borough. The conclusion of this test phase marks a milestone.
The concept works by customers being able to pack their desired products and leave the market without a checkout process. Using state-of-the-art Camera and sensor technology will the products be recorded and automatically billed. This is now also possible at the service desk. Customers only need the Pick&Go app for this.
Alternative payment methods are also available. Customers can also pay at the self-checkout terminal, in the traditional way at the checkout counter, or with computer vision support without scanning at the self-checkout terminal.
The sales area covers 1,200 square metres with around 20,000 items. By relieving pressure in the checkout zones, the approximately 48 employees now have more capacity for advice, stock maintenance and service.
Opening of a second Pick&Go store in Hamburg
In the Pick&Go markets in Cologne, Berlin, Munich and Düsseldorf, only customers who use the Pick&Go app benefit from the concept. The Hamburg market offers more flexibility, as customers here can decide on a payment method during their shopping. If they choose Pick&Go, they can skip the trip to the checkout terminal and the manual payment process.
In mid-June, a second market in Hamburg was already converted and is currently undergoing a trial run. After the summer, the system will also be available to all customers here. The sales area is 900 square metres.
The captured images are processed by the system in a data-saving manner. They are used solely to enable cash-free shopping. No facial recognition takes place; only the products removed from the shelves are recorded.
International Technology Partnership
According to Rewe, the company is working with Trigo Vision Ltd., a company specialising in computer vision technology, to implement this concept.
The implementation involves creating a 3D model of a supermarket to digitally map the environment and movements within it.