Automated retail solutions with biometrics and computer vision from CyberLink and VSBLTY implemented

Biometrics and computer vision capabilities for retail automation have been deployed or launched by CyberLink, Trigo, VSBLTY and Pixevia, as society reopens with a newfound emphasis on avoiding contact with others.

A concept retail store in Shibuya, Taiwan is now using a remote retail solution from NTT Data with CyberLink’s FaceMe biometrics integrated.

The unstaffed Tokyu Hands store ran a smart retail pilot project in the first half of June, leveraging age, gender, and emotion analysis from FaceMe to measure the effectiveness of the store’s processes. The complete solution guides customers through the store with interactive monitors and displays for touchless transactions. NTT Data’s voice-to-text technology also collects data to improve future customer service.

FaceMe’s edge-based facial recognition provides efficient processing with high speed and accuracy compared to cloud-based solutions, according to the announcement.

A large pet store chain in Mexico is adopting audience analytics technology based on VSBLTY’s biometric and computer vision technology.

VSBLTY partner Retailigent Media has been contracted to implement the system at 10 initial locations, with plans to expand it to 85 locations soon after. The system includes digital shelf strips, small interactive surfaces, real-time audience analytics and touchless interfaces, according to the announcement.

“This represents an interesting and exciting move into a new brand category for VSBLTY and Retailigent. We are anxious to see if the sales lift experienced with other brands will be duplicated in the pet food category,” says VSBTLY Co-founder and CEO Jay Hutton.

VSBLTY’s VisionCaptor and DataCaptor combine motion graphics and interactive brand messaging with computer vision measurement, while Vector provides advanced facial recognition.

An alternative approach is offered by Israeli startup Trigo, which is collaborating with Tesco to launch checkout-free shopping by using computer vision, but not facial recognition, The Media Line reports.

The tracking method sounds similar to the silhouette tracking capability recently announced by NtechLab.

The company will complete integration and testing, and plans to roll out the technology in Europe and around the world. Stores not yet open to the public in Israel and Europe are currently conducting beta testing. Shoppers scan a QR code on entering the store to associate their purchases with a device and account.

The idea is similar to Amazon Go, which is expected to launch 30 stores in Europe, with computer vision on dozens of ceiling cameras and weight sensors on shelves enabling an automated experience.  The difference is that Trigo partners with retailers.

Other players in the field include Grabango and Standard Cognition.

Pixevia has raised $1.18 million in funding for its smart retail store concept, which provides customer behavior analytics and automated store operations.

The startup applies AI and machine learning algorithms to video cameras and sensors, and launched its first store in Vilnius, Lithuania in 2019, according to AiThority.

Pixevia plans to use the funds to refine its technology and expand to other European countries. CEO Mindaugas Eglinskas says the solution was developed to serve the needs of stores and customers in Western Europe, before the pandemic made the technology compelling for all markets.

This post was updated at 3:32pm on August 20, 2020 to reflect that Trigo says it does not use biometrics.

Article Topics

artificial intelligence  |  automation  |  biometrics  |  computer vision  |  CyberLink  |  facial recognition  |  retail biometrics  |  VSBLTY