German grocery chain REWE has expanded its Pick&Go technology to a store in Hanover, allowing customers to pay for their items without scanning them.

The Pick&Go system is already in use in six other stores in Germany and allows customers to shop without unpacking their carts at the checkout.

To install the technology, REWE has partnered with computer vision firm Trigo Vision.

The solution creates a 3D model of the supermarket to digitally map the environment and movements within it so customers can select and return items.

REWE emphasised that the images captured of customers are used exclusively to enable shopping without scanning. The system only records data required to recognise which products are removed or put back.

Once customers have selected their items, they visit one of eight terminals where the list of products they have chosen appears on a display. If everything is correct, they can pay via cash or card at the terminal.

The test store in Hanover is around 650 square metres and features a wide range of products and specialist counters.

REWE said customers testing the technology have appreciated the time it saves and the convenience it provides.

The retailer also said the technology has given the 25 employees who work in the store more time to spend on customer service.

“The new Pick&Go location in Hanover shows how modern technologies can make our customers’ everyday lives easier,” said Alina Klüger, project manager Pick&Go at REWE. “Our aim is to use innovations in such a way that they create real added value – intuitively, quickly and without complexity.”

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