Jan 16, 2023 14:10:00

Google Cloud announces an AI tool that can track the inventory status of product shelves by analyzing videos and images from ceiling cameras, robots, and store clerks

Google

Cloud , Google's cloud computing division, will build a cutting-edge AI solution on Vertex AI Vision on Friday, January 13, 2023, AI that can recognize and track in-store inventory at retail stores. announced the tool.

Google Cloud Unveils New AI Tools for Retailers
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/google-cloud-unveils-new-ai-tools-for-retailers-301721298.html

Google Cloud Introduces Shelf Inventory AI Tool for Retailers - WSJ
https://www.wsj.com/articles/google-cloud-introduces-shelf-inventory-ai-tool-for-retailers-11673549442

The AI technology announced by Google Cloud ahead of the National Retail Federation conference in New York, USA, is based on cameras attached to the ceiling of retail stores, self-driving robots equipped with cameras, and videos and photos taken by store clerks. , is a technology that recognizes products based on their visual and textual characteristics and confirms inventory on physical shelves.

One of our new @googlecloud AI tools uses machine learning models to identify billions of products based on visual and text features, helping retailers check their in-store shelf stock. Lots more in store for #GoogleAI in 2023, stay tuned! https:/ /t.co/YcSJzMFy59

— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) January 13, 2023

The problem of low or out of stock products is a major problem for retailers' sales. However, conventional inventory check technology did not spread due to factors such as camera angles, lighting conditions, and the inability to adapt to seasonal package changes.

The AI tool announced by Google Cloud performs machine learning on a database of more than 1 billion products, and can recognize products in any way regardless of the type of camera.

``With this tool, retailers can not only replenish out-of-stock items quickly, but also consider selling fewer units,'' said Carrie Tharp of Google Cloud.

This tool is in the preview stage at the time of writing the article, and the supermarket chain Giant Eagle is providing feedback to Google Cloud about places it does not recognize due to problems such as camera position, and making fine adjustments.

The tool will begin testing in physical stores in the coming months, but Graham Watkins of Giant Eagle said, ``It will take years to actually roll out this tool across supermarket chains.'' said. The reason is that it costs a lot of money to install cameras and self-driving robots that can check all the aisles and product shelves in the store.

Watkins also said, ``Algorithms are not necessarily perfect, and there may be conditions under which AI cannot recognize products.'' It could take ~6 years.”