Two men standing in front of an AI-powered self-checkout display showing recognized bell peppers and a pumpkin.

AI product recognition in retail: How computer vision identifies merchandise

01.06.2026

AI-powered product recognition automatically identifies items using a camera. It enables real-time inventory tracking, better theft prevention, and faster checkout—but remains technically challenging, as many similar products must be distinguished with precision.

A hand holds a yellow bell pepper over the red laser scanner of a self-checkout kiosk, while a camera and display capture the scanning process.

AI product recognition in self-checkout

27.05.2026

Computer vision and AI-powered product recognition are opening up new possibilities for self-checkout processes and seamless shopping experiences. These systems are designed to reduce scanning errors, automate processes, and make checkout more convenient.

The Express Store by Viessmann and Pixevia at EuroShop 2023 with a refrigerated island in front of the small store; Copyright: Viessmann

Express Store from Viessmann and Pixevia at EuroShop 2023

01.05.2023

Enabling a comfortable "just-walk-out" shopping experience, thanks to state-of-the-art technology: Viessmann presented such a convenience store at EuroShop 2023 in Düsseldorf.

A seemingly human eye, around it rows of numbers representing artificial intelligence; Copyright: PantherMedia/sergey_nivens (YAYMicro)

Machine vision: Cameras observe and "think along"

08.03.2022

Machine vision has recently made great strides. It is also being used in the area of checkout control in retail.