Walmart patents audio surveillance tech

Walmart has filed a patent for a system that would capture various in-store sounds in order to monitor employees' performance and effectiveness at checkout.

Yep, we know, bit creepy…”The sound sensors can capture audio of conversations between guests and an employee stationed at the terminal," the patent states. "The system can process the audio of the conversation to determine whether the employee stationed at the terminal is greeting guests."

"This patent is a concept that would help us gather metrics and improve the checkout process by listening to sounds produced by the bags, carts and cash registers and not intended for any other use," Walmart said in a statement. "We file patents frequently but that doesn't mean the patents will actually be implemented. We're always thinking about new concepts and ways that will help us further enhance how we serve customers." 

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