Scan all your shopping simultaneously WITHOUT taking it out of the basket: New technology is set to wipe out supermarket queues forever

CHRIS PLEASANCE
18 April, 2017 
MAILONLINE

New automated checkouts scan and bag all of your items in just a few seconds

System uses tiny radio-frequency ID tags to keep track of what is in the basket

Shoppers place the basket on the till, and the rest is done automatically

The checkouts, made by Panasonic, are being rolled out at stores across Japan

There’s no doubt automated checkouts can save time – but all it takes is one unexpected item in your bagging area to completely ruin your shopping trip.

So say hello to Reji Robo, the new system being rolled out across Japan that scans and bags all of your items for you, with no fuss or delays.

The checkout, made by Panasonic, uses tiny radio-frequency ID tags attached to each item to tally up what’s in your basket at the end of your shop.

All shoppers have to do is select what they want from the shelves and then place their basket in the bagging area, with the checkout doing the rest.

The bottom of the basket drops away as all the items are fed into a carrier bag and then passed back to you.

A screen displays each item in the basket, and give you the total price for the shop. All that’s left to do is tap how you’d like to pay, insert cash or tap your card on the machine, and you’re free to head off.

The system is currently being rolled out at stores across Japan, with 7 Eleven being the latest company to sign up, Japanese website Nikkei Asian Review reports.

Reji Robo will appear in major stores of four Japanese chains over the next year, with the aim being to have it in all stores nationwide by the end of 2025.

Panasonic claims the technology will reduce shopping times by 10 per cent

The tech firm also claims the system will reduce food waste, as it will keep a highly accurate record of everything bought from the store and when it is purchased.

This information can then be passed back to warehouses, helping them to place more accurate orders with suppliers.

The concept is similar to one proposed by Amazon at one of its new grocery stores in Seattle, which will be open to the public this year, according to CNBC. 

Bosses say facial recognition software along with an Amazon Go app will allow shoppers to simply walk out of the store with their groceries, with a bill sent directly to their Amazon account with no need to scan.

However, the Japanese system will also accept cash – an important addition for elderly customers who may not have electronic payments already set up.