[Edaily Reporter Han Kwangbeom ] #SHINSEGAE INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION Co. announced on the 11th that it is launching an AI vision-based self-checkout payment management solution at CU convenience stores, operated by BGF Retail, marking the full-scale expansion of its AI vision-based retail solutions into the convenience store sector.

The payment management solution being implemented is a streamlined version of “Spharos ScanCare”—which uses AI vision to analyze customer behavior at self-checkout counters and guide users through the process—tailored specifically for the convenience store environment.

The AI system detects in real time when a customer takes items or leaves the area before payment is completed after scanning product barcodes. When this occurs, a message appears on the checkout screen indicating that payment is incomplete, helping the customer complete the transaction properly. This reduces errors that may occur during the self-checkout process and enhances customer convenience and operational stability for the store.

The technical implementation has been simplified to facilitate widespread adoption in convenience store settings. The system processes calculations within a camera equipped with a VPU (Video Processing Unit) specialized in video analysis, eliminating the need to install a separate mini-PC or external server. This is expected to reduce the burden of implementation in the convenience store environment, where space is limited and the number of stores is high.

Shinsegae Co.,Ltd. and BGF Retail are currently conducting a pilot test of the payment management solution at a CU store near Gangnam and plan to expand its rollout to additional stores starting this September. The companies intend to focus on analyzing customer flow, dwell time, and wait times to gain insights needed to improve store operations and reduce revenue losses caused by missed payments.

Shinsegae Co.,Ltd. I&C Technology Co., Ltd. is accelerating its push into the offline retail AI market by leveraging AI vision-based self-checkout solutions such as “Sparos Scan-Free” and “Sparos Scan-Care.” These solutions simultaneously support customer convenience at checkout—from product recognition to checkout guidance—and enhance store owners’ operational efficiency. The company plans to expand their application to various retail channels, such as supermarkets, cafes, and bakeries, while also accelerating its entry into overseas markets by leveraging its success in Korea.

Yoo Seung-hyun, Head of the AX Center at Shinsegae I&C Technology Co., Ltd., said “The payment management solution is a lightweight model optimized for convenience store self-checkout operations, built on AI capabilities tailored to the offline retail environment. This collaboration is particularly significant as it combines the two companies’ technological expertise and operational experience to enhance on-site usability,” he said. “Building on this business partnership, we will expand AI use cases across all aspects of convenience store operations—including inventory management and shelf display inspections—and strengthen our ongoing collaboration to help convenience stores evolve into more efficient AI-powered stores.”