Tesco adds accessibility modes to help visually impaired customers on self-service checkouts

Tesco has launched new accessibility modes to help visually impaired customers on its self-service checkouts in both UK and ROI Tesco stores.

This enables shoppers to adjust accessibility settings, with a choice of high contrast modes and text adjustments.

In a LinkedIn post, Sarah Quiggin, Head of Product - Store Customer Transactions at Teco, said: “Its a great example of the incremental (and hopefully transformational) changes we can do now we have our amazing new till platform at scale across multiple countries.”

She added: “We know there's so much more we could do but this is a big step forward. Huge thank you to my fantastic product team, design, engineering and programme teams that made this all possible. A great “every little help.”

AI and automation

Tesco's first half sales were up 5.1% to £33.1 billion. Underlying operating profit increased 1.6% to £1.7 billion. And full year guidance was raised from £2.7-£3 billion to £2.9-£3.1 billion.

In releasing the results recently, the UK grocery giant flagged up the opening of a new semi-automated fresh food distribution centre in Aylesford. It also inked an agreement to develop a new DC at DP World London Gateway, which it expects to open in 2029.

There has also been continued development of AI capability across the business, including improvements to in-house tools which find the most efficient journey for every Tesco lorry and delivery van, removing around 100,000 miles per week.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Self-service checkouts will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced last week, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.