Co-op expands age estimation technology trial with Diebold Nixdorf and Yoti
Co-op has extended its trial of age estimation technology into five of its stores in partnership with Diebold Nixdorf and Yoti.
The pilot – which is not facial recognition and does not retain or store images – now sees Co-op testing out Vynamic Smart Vision I Age Verification, a new Diebold Nixdorf solution that uses Yoti’s age estimation technology, in five of its Manchester stores, including one located within its Customer Support Centre where it first tested the tech last November.
The trial runs until the end of June and forms part of the UK Home Office Digital ID Sandbox, which provides an opportunity for industry and retail to test innovative approaches to age estimation.
Co-op also believes that the technology could reduce abuse and anti-social behaviour towards retail workers as asking for ID can be a flashpoint for frustration for some shoppers.
In addition, the retailer says there is the potential to make shopping quicker, easier and more convenient for customers, especially at busier times.
Yoti Chief Commercial Officer, John Abbott, says: “We are excited to collaborate with Co-op and Diebold Nixdorf to help people prove their age direct to the self-checkout terminal in seconds, without store worker intervention.”
“It is a privacy preserving, GDPR compliant solution that can be easily integrated to meet local regulatory requirements.”
Diebold Nixdorf Senior Vice President and Managing Director, EMEA Retail Sales Management, Ben Gale, comments: “We are continuously driving retail and customer improvements through the self-checkout experience. Vynamic Smart Vision I Age Verification is a win for everyone:”
“The consumer is empowered to conduct the transaction themselves, resulting in an improved overall customer experience, while delivering better throughput, and an enhanced brand reputation.”
