Walmart Uses AI-Powered Cameras to Prevent Store Theft

Category: Technology/Innovations

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. theft / θɛft / (n) – the act of illegally taking something that belongs to another individual, business, etc.
    Example:

    The man was arrested for theft because he stole the woman’s purse.


  2. promptly / ˈprɒmpt li / (adv) – in a quick manner
    Example:

    I admire the grocery staff for promptly responding to my concern.


  3. intervene / ˌɪn tərˈvin / (v) – to involve oneself in something to control a situation
    Example:

    The mall staff intervened in a fight between two customers.


  4. state-of-the-art / steɪt əv ði ɑrt / (adj) – having the latest features, technology, design, etc.
    Example:

    The tech company unveiled its state-of-the-art driverless cars.


  5. around the clock / əˈraʊnd ðə klɒk / (idiom) – taking place for 24 hours a day
    Example:

    We are operating around the clock because we have clients from different parts of the world.


Article

Read the text below.

Retail giant Walmart has invested in AI-powered surveillance cameras to prevent theft and ensure proper scanning of products during checkout.


Dubbed as Missed Scan Detection, Walmart’s new security program is currently being implemented in over 1,000 stores across the United States. The program incorporates an Artificial Intelligence (AI) software in surveillance cameras installed over manned and self-checkout counters.


The program can automatically detect unscanned items and promptly notify a Walmart staff of such cases. The alert allows the staff to quickly intervene and check theft cases or instances of human error.


One of the companies that provide Walmart with the state-of-the-art technology is Everseen. According to Alan O’Herlihy /oʊ ˈhɜr lə hi/, Everseen’s CEO, the program can capture high-definition images and operate around the clock.


In addition, the program detects strange customers’ behavior and other threats. It also addresses human errors, such as customers forgetting items in the cart or cashiers being distracted and unable to scan items. This minimizes shrinkage, a term that retailers use for revenue losses caused by theft, fraud, and scanning errors.


The new surveillance program is part of Walmart’s continuous efforts to improve its stores’ security. A Walmart spokesperson said that the company has invested more than $500 million in manpower and innovations over the last few years to ensure customer safety.


Walmart also hopes to further reduce shrinkage in all its stores. According to an analyst’s estimate, shrinkage cost the company over $4 billion last year. Since its implementation, the new security program has successfully lowered the shrink rate at Walmart stores.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• In your opinion, should Walmart completely rely on automated surveillance and let go of human attendants or security personnel? Why or why not?
• What do you think are the difficulties that come with Walmart’s new security program?

Discussion B

• If you could invent a device that would improve safety in retail and shopping centers, what would it be? Discuss.
• What challenges do you foresee in creating this device? Explain.