Manchester Co-Op Trials Age Estimation Technology

Coop trials innovative age estimation technology in partnership with Diebold Nixdorf.

00:56 17 June 2022

Manchester-based firm Co-op has confirmed that it has extended the trial of its innovative age estimation technology into five stores in partnership with Yoti and Diebold Nixdorf. The small-scale trial, which will run until the end of the month, is part of the Home Office Sandbox. 

 

James Beane, Co-op’s Operations Innovation and Continuous Improvement Lead, said: “Shoppers can choose whether or not to use the technology – which is not facial recognition, and does not store or retain images,” 

 

“The pilot forms part of trials aimed at further improving or enhancing compliance with the licensing objective to reduce the risk of under-age sales. Asking for ID can also be a flashpoint for frustration for some shoppers, and become a trigger for the unacceptable levels of abuse and anti-social behaviour faced by frontline shopworkers. In addition, we envisage this could make shopping quicker, easier and more convenient for customers, especially at busier times.”

 

Ben Gale, Diebold Nixdorf Senior Vice President and Managing Director, EMEA Retail Sales Management, added: “At Diebold Nixdorf, 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,”