Asda Tests Fully Automated Checkouts

he UK’s first 'Rapid Scan' Till is currently being piloted in Asda's York Superstore. The checkout…

he UK’s first 'Rapid Scan' Till is currently being piloted in Asda's York Superstore.

The checkout solution, which is made by Wincor Nixdorf, can read barcodes from 360 degrees using image recognition, even if they are facing downwards on the conveyor belt.

According to Asda, items can be scanned in under a second each, meaning that 100 items can be scanned per minute. This is three times faster than scanning individual grocery items by hand, according to the retailer.

Wincor Nixdorf's new checkout solution uses a split conveyor belt, allowing two people to bag their groceries simultaneously. Once one shopper's items have gone through the scanner system they are diverted into the bagging and paying area, allowing the next customer to load their groceries onto the conveyor belt. To further speed up the process, the payment operates on an entirely cashless basis.

Commenting on the new checkout innovation, Asda’s Retail Director, Mark Ibbotson, said, "Mums tell us one of the main things they want us to do for them is save them time. We’re always looking at ways we can improve their shopping experience - and Rapid Scan is a technological triumph in that area."

"We’re the first to bring this amazing machine to our shoppers before anyone else, so we are really excited to hear what everyone thinks of it," he added.