Woolworths supermarket confirms new test with 500 additional cameras in store
Woolworths supermarket confirms new test of 500 extra cameras in store – here’s what it means for you
- Hundreds of cameras are placed on shelves
- The mini cams are attached under shelf rails
- Trials have begun in New South Wales
Hundreds of “bite-sized” miniature cameras are being placed in the aisles of a Woolworths store in New South Wales as part of a major trial.
Woolworths says the new technology will monitor stock levels on shelves as part of a trial.
The cameras can accidentally take pictures of customers. However, when a customer’s picture is taken, their silhouette is highlighted via a cloud server.
The tiny cameras are attached to the shelves to monitor stock levels
The cameras can detect when a shelf needs to be restocked
The store team can only see the inventory information on the opposite shelf and cannot see the customer’s face.
Pictures are taken of the products on an hourly basis, with cameras placed in every aisle of the store, including the food, freezer and chilled areas.
“Customers of our Wetherill Park (NSW) store may notice a number of new mini-cameras in every aisle and on every shelf,” Woolworths said in a statement.
The cameras can accidentally take pictures of customers. However, when a customer’s picture is taken, their silhouette is highlighted via a cloud server
“We recently began a trial run of the new camera technology in the store to support our teams by reducing manual processes and replenishment tasks such as real-time inventory management and replenishment prioritization.”
“This is intended to improve product availability for all of our customers throughout the day, not just at regular intervals.”
“We will be listening to feedback from our Wetherill Park customers and team members over the coming months before evaluating our next steps.”
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Woolworths for comment.
There’s more to come.